Iran warns that any attack on its nuclear sites would trigger ‘all-out war’

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated in an interview with Al Jazeera that if Israel or the United States were to attack Iran's nuclear facilities, it would plunge the region into a "full-scale war."

During an interview with Al Jazeera's Arabic channel while visiting Qatar, Araghchi warned that a military attack on Iranian nuclear facilities would be "one of the biggest historical mistakes the United States could make." He emphasized that Iran would respond to any attack "immediately and decisively," which would lead to a "full-scale war in the region."

There are growing concerns within Iran that US President Donald Trump might authorize Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to attack Iran's nuclear facilities, while further tightening US sanctions on Iran during his second term. Araghchi stated that he had met with Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani in Doha to discuss key regional issues.

In the interview broadcast on Friday, Araghchi said, "We highly appreciate Qatar's mediating role in reaching the (Gaza ceasefire agreement). I hope all other issues will be resolved." He also mentioned meeting with Hamas officials during his stay in Qatar, stating that despite the war damage inflicted by Israel on Gaza, the Palestinians had achieved a "victory" there. He added, "Despite the world witnessing all the killings and destruction, the Palestinian people stood their ground, upholding their values and principles. I think this represents a victory."

Araghchi continued, "The Israeli occupation forces did everything in their power to eliminate Hamas and release their captives, but in the end, they had to sit down and negotiate with Hamas. This represents a victory for Hamas." He also addressed the situation in Syria, stating that Iran supports the formation of a government in Syria with the participation of all segments of Syrian society after the overthrow of former President Bashar al-Assad. Iran's goal is to maintain stability in Syria and preserve the country's territorial integrity.

Araghchi stated, "We support any government chosen and supported by the Syrian people. We want peace and security for Syria, which is a prerequisite for peace and security in the region." He also emphasized, "We do not want to see Syria become a center for endless tensions or ethnic conflicts, which could make it a haven for terrorists. Instability in Syria will spread throughout the region."

Regarding Trump's re-election, Araghchi stated that Iran's relationship with the United States has a history "filled with hostility and mistrust." He pointed out that under the previous Trump administration, the US withdrew from the nuclear agreement and assassinated Qassem Soleimani, the head of the Quds Force of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). He called on a new Trump administration to take practical steps to restore trust, such as returning frozen Iranian funds, and stated that Iran is not opposed to direct dialogue with the US, but insists that negotiations be limited to nuclear issues.