Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that, regarding the war that began on the 28th of last month (local time) following attacks by the United States and Israel, a temporary cease-fire is not sufficient, stating that they will fight until a permanent end to the war is achieved. He also emphasized, regarding moves by the United States to involve itself in the succession of Iran’s Supreme Leader, that “Choosing a new leader is the task of the Iranian people.”

In an NBC News interview released on the 8th, Araghchi claimed that the United States and Israel broke the cease-fire they had concluded last June to end the ‘12-Day War,’ saying, “A permanent end to the war is necessary.” He stressed, “Unless we reach that goal, we will have to keep fighting for our people and our security.”

Asked about the terms of a cease-fire, he said, “We are not at that stage yet,” adding, “Last time we accepted a cease-fire, but the situation this time is considerably different.” He then argued that last year’s cease-fire ultimately did not bring peace.

Araghchi also rebutted U.S. President Donald Trump’s suggestion that U.S. ground forces could be deployed if Iran’s military were to collapse to the point that it could not conduct ground operations. He said, “At least for now, that is not the case,” and added, “For the time being, we have sufficient capability to conduct ground warfare.”

He further said, “We have brave soldiers who will fight and destroy any enemy that enters our territory,” asserting that Iran maintains the capability to prevail in ground warfare as well.

Regarding reports that Russia is providing Iran with information on the locations of U.S. forces in the Middle East, Araghchi said, “Iran and Russia have a strategic partnership,” and, “Military cooperation between the two countries is neither new nor secret.” He added, “Such cooperation existed in the past and will continue in the future.”

However, he avoided a clear answer on whether Russia had provided U.S. location information, saying only, “Russia is helping us through multiple channels.”

Responding to criticism that damage is mounting as Iran attacks not only Israel but also neighboring countries, he said, “Unfortunately, we are attacking U.S. bases and American facilities and assets located in neighboring countries.”

Concerning Iran’s missile capabilities, which the United States has made a primary target in the current attacks, he said, “Iran has the capability to produce missiles, but has deliberately limited their range to under 2,000㎞,” and stated there are no plans to extend the range. He also claimed there is no evidence or intelligence that Iran is developing intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of reaching the U.S. mainland.

He also asserted U.S. responsibility for an incident early in the war in which, during U.S. and Israeli attacks, a girls’ school in Minab, Hormozgan Province, Iran, was bombed, killing more than 100 people, saying, “It was caused by strikes from U.S. fighter jets.”

In addition, regarding U.S. President Donald Trump’s willingness to involve himself in the selection of a successor to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who died in attacks by the United States and Israel, he emphasized, “Choosing a new leader is the Iranian people’s business,” and added, “It is a matter for Iranians, not anyone else.”