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Iran's Araghchi: U.S. War is Illegal, We Will Defend

3/16/2026

46 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Abbas Araghchi, Iran's Foreign Minister, accused U.S. President Donald Trump of waging an "illegal war" for enjoyment.
Araghchi says Iran is prepared to defend itself indefinitely.
In a CBS interview, he defended Iran's strikes as targeting only U.S. military assets.
Araghchi noted the Strait of Hormuz has not been closed.
He said Iran's enriched uranium stockpile is buried under rubble from U.S. strikes.

History

Historical Context

The Iran Hostage Crisis began on November 4, 1979, when Iranian students seized the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, taking 52 Americans hostage for 444 days. This event stemmed from the U.S.'s support of the ousted Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. The crisis led to severe economic sanctions against Iran and has continued to influence U.S.-Iran relations, as evidenced by recent tensions involving military posturing.

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Story summary

Abbas Araghchi, Iran's Foreign Minister, accused U.S. President Donald Trump of waging an "illegal war" for enjoyment.
Araghchi says Iran is prepared to defend itself indefinitely.
In a CBS interview, he defended Iran's strikes as targeting only U.S. military assets.
Araghchi noted the Strait of Hormuz has not been closed.
He said Iran's enriched uranium stockpile is buried under rubble from U.S. strikes.

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