05.03.2026 22:13
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that his country is prepared to resist a possible American ground invasion following attacks from the U.S. and Israel. In a special interview with Tom Llamas on NBC News, Araghchi mentioned that Iran is not requesting a ceasefire and also rejected the possibility of negotiations with Washington. When asked by the host, "Are Russia and China helping you?" Araghchi gave an evasive answer.
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Arakchi made striking statements regarding his country's military and political stance following attacks by the US and Israel on Iran. Responding to questions from Tom Llamas on NBC Nightly News, Arakchi stated that Iran is ready to resist a possible US ground invasion while closing the door to negotiations with Washington.
Arakchi also emphasized that Iran is not requesting a ceasefire, and in response to a question about whether Russia and China are supporting Iran, he replied, "I will not provide details in the midst of war."
"WE ARE READY FOR A GROUND INVASION"
In an interview conducted via video conference from Tehran, Arakchi was asked whether he fears a possible US ground invasion. The Iranian minister responded defiantly to this question:
"No, we are waiting for them. We are confident that we can confront them, and it would be a great disaster for them."
Arakchi stated that the US and Israel continue to carry out attacks across the country, yet Iran has not requested a ceasefire.
"ISRAEL WAS THE ONE REQUESTING A CEASEFIRE"
The Iranian minister argued that Iran has not backed down, recalling previous conflicts, and said, "Last time, we did not request a ceasefire. After resisting their aggression for 12 days, it was Israel that requested an unconditional ceasefire."
With these words, Arakchi referred to last year's attacks by the US and Israel targeting Iran's nuclear facilities and the 12-day conflict.
REJECTED NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE US
Arakchi stated that he met with US President Donald Trump's special representative Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner in Geneva last week, but communication was cut off after the attacks.
"We do not have a positive experience in negotiating with the United States. We negotiated twice last year and this year, and they attacked us in the middle of the negotiations."
NOTABLE RESPONSE TO THE RUSSIA AND CHINA QUESTION
During the interview, the host's question about whether Russia and China are actively helping Iran in the war also drew attention.
Llamas: "Are Russia and China actively helping you in this war?"
Arakchi: "They have always helped us."
Llamas: "Does that mean yes?"
Arakchi: "I will not provide details in the midst of war."
"SINKING THE SHIP IS A WAR CRIME"
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Arakchi also spoke about the ship belonging to the Iranian navy that was sunk in the Indian Ocean. Stating that the ship was unarmed and contained training officers, Arakchi argued that attacking such a ship is against international law and would be considered a war crime.
NEW LEADER DEBATE
Arakchi stated that the successor to Iran's religious leader Ali Khamenei will be elected by the Assembly of Experts according to the Iranian constitution, noting that this process may take time due to the ongoing war.
"There are many rumors. However, we need to wait for the Assembly of Experts to select a new supreme leader," said Arakchi, also rejecting claims that US President Trump could interfere in the leadership process in Iran. The Iranian minister stated, "This is entirely a matter for the Iranian people, and no one can interfere."