Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has stated that Iran is prepared to continue the war with the United States and Israel for as long as necessary.
He made these remarks during the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ weekly press briefing on Monday.
Araghchi said Tehran has demonstrated its readiness to continue the war with Israel and the United States, for as long as needed.
The Foreign Minister stated, “I think they (the US-Israel) have now learned a good lesson and understood what kind of nation they are up against. Iran is a nation that does not hesitate to defend itself; they are prepared to continue the war anywhere, for as long as necessary.”
3,369 Israelis injured since war began
Since the start of the war, 3,369 Israelis have been injured in attacks, including 142 injured in the last 24 hours.
Israel’s Health Ministry reported this information on Monday, stating that at least 3,369 civilians and military personnel have been injured since the US-Israeli war with Iran began.
The Health Ministry did not mention the number of deaths. However, it was previously reported that 15 Israelis had been killed in the attacks.
The US-Israeli attacks on Iran began on 28 February. In response, Iran launched retaliatory attacks on US bases and interests in Israel and Gulf countries. The pro-Iranian armed group Hezbollah has also continued attacking Israel.
Trump asks NATO allies to help open Hormuz
US President Donald Trump has sought help from NATO allies to open the strategic waterway of the Strait of Hormuz, which has been blocked by Iran.
Speaking to journalists on Air Force One, Trump said the United States has already begun contacting allied countries to keep this vital strait open.
He said, “I am telling these countries to come and protect their own region, because this is their area. This is where they get their energy from.” He added, “You could say, perhaps we don’t need to be there, because we have plenty of oil ourselves.”
So far, the United States has spoken with seven countries, many of whom are NATO members. Trump said, “We always stand with NATO; we are also helping them with Ukraine.” He questioned whether any country would help the US in a “very small effort” to keep this strait open.
When asked which countries have agreed to provide assistance, Trump said that cannot be disclosed right now. However, the US has received some positive responses.
Claiming that the US has destroyed Iran’s navy, he warned, “Even then, just a few people or terrorists could cause trouble in this strait. Dropping a few mines could make the entire route dangerous.”
He also mentioned China. Trump noted that about 90 percent of China’s oil supply passes through this strait. When asked if they would participate in the US initiative, he said, “Maybe, maybe, maybe.”
