Iranian FM Launches Global Diplomatic Blitz Against Israel

Araghchi Diplomatic Blitz

June 21, 2025; 1800

As Israel's ongoing strikes continue to degrade Iran's missile capabilities, the Islamic Republic is taking a series of preemptive measures in the domestic arena that are driving its urgent diplomatic campaign. Iranian security forces and the Basij militia have intensified crackdowns on opposition activists, with the regime exploiting the tense security situation to justify increased arrests and executions under the pretext of detaining "Mossad agents." These preemptive internal security measures are compelling Tehran to seek international pathways to halt Israeli attacks before further military degradation occurs.

UN Human Rights Council Address

Speaking at the special session of the UN Human Rights Council on 20 June, Araqchi delivered a sharply worded condemnation of Israel's surprise attacks, which targeted Iranian military sites, nuclear facilities, and civilian areas. The Telegram channel of the Iranian Foreign Ministry published his remarks.

He characterised the strikes as "a war crime" under international law, particularly emphasising Israel's bombing of nuclear installations under IAEA monitoring.

"This is not just an attack on Iran - it's an assault on the entire UN-based international order," Araqchi told the council. He drew parallels between current events and Iraq's 1980s war against Iran, positioning his country as the victim of unwarranted violence.

His speech also focused on timing, noting Israel struck just two days before scheduled US-Iran nuclear talks.

"This was a betrayal of diplomacy," Araqchi declared, noting Israel initiated the war as Iran and the US were engaged in indirect talks to reach a new nuclear deal and suggesting that the US may have been involved in the Israeli plan.

Araqchi also declared himself both a diplomat and veteran: "I have devoted my life to dialogue and diplomacy but know how to defend my homeland."

European Diplomatic Meetings

Following the UN session, Araqchi held meetings with his counterparts from Britain, France, Germany, and EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas.

In a statement after the meeting, Araqchi said in the talks he criticised Europe's reluctance to condemn Israel's attacks, insisted on the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear programme, and that "Iran's defensive capabilities are non-negotiable".

He also expressed openness to future diplomacy, but only after Israeli strikes end.

"We will continue our legitimate self-defence until this aggression stops," Araqchi stated after the meetings, adding that Iran was "ready to consider diplomacy" once the conditions changed.

Media Engagement

In an interview with NBC News, Araqchi expanded on Iran's position regarding potential US involvement. He expressed mistrust about American intentions, suggesting the US government might have coordinated with Israel's timing of attacks.

"We don't know how we can trust them anymore," he said when asked about prospects for US-Iran talks. The minister categorically ruled out halting uranium enrichment, framing it as a matter of national sovereignty and scientific achievement.

"Zero enrichment is impossible", Araqchi said he had told US envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff.

Araqchi warned explicitly about the consequences if the US joined Israel's campaign: "If the US joins Israel in these attacks, we will do the same."

He also dismissed US President Donald Trump's recent comments about knowing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's location as "not a threat but an insult."

Islamic Coalition Building - OIC Summit

Araqchi later flew to Istanbul for an emergency meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Upon arrival, he told Iranian reporters the summit would focus on achieving "a strong, unified statement" against Israel's aggression.

The minister planned bilateral meetings with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha.

Islamic Coalition

Extensive Bilateral Meetings at OIC Summit

On the sidelines of the OIC Foreign Ministers meeting in Istanbul, Araqchi conducted a series of high-level bilateral meetings with key regional partners:

• Egypt: Meeting with Foreign Minister Badr Abdel-Aty

• Jordan: Discussion with Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi

• Iraq: Talks with Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein

• Saudi Arabia: Meeting with Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan

• Qatar: Discussion with Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani

Saudi Arabia's FM and Araqchi

These extensive bilateral engagements demonstrate Iran's effort to secure broad Arab and Islamic world support against Israeli actions while strengthening regional diplomatic ties across traditional sectarian and political divides.

Summary

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi's comprehensive diplomatic offensive on June 20th represents a multi-front strategy to counter Israeli military pressure while the regime implements preemptive domestic security measures. His campaign encompassed four key elements:

International Legal Forum: At the UN Human Rights Council, Araqchi framed Israeli strikes as war crimes and an assault on international order, positioning Iran as victim of unprovoked aggression while suggesting US complicity in the timing of attacks just before nuclear negotiations.

Western Diplomatic Engagement: Through meetings with British, French, German, and EU officials, Iran maintained potential negotiation channels while firmly rejecting limitations on uranium enrichment. Araqchi signaled openness to future diplomacy contingent on cessation of Israeli strikes, stating Iran would continue "legitimate self-defense" until attacks end.

Strategic Communication: Via NBC News interview, Iran's top diplomat warned of escalatory consequences if the US joins Israeli operations ("we will do the same") while categorically ruling out nuclear program concessions, framing enrichment as matters of sovereignty and scientific achievement.

Regional Coalition Building: The centerpiece was extensive bilateral diplomacy at the OIC Istanbul summit, where Araqchi met counterparts from Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar - demonstrating efforts to secure unified Arab-Islamic condemnation across traditional sectarian and political divides.

This diplomatic blitz aims to create international pressure for Israeli restraint while keeping negotiation pathways open, as Iran implements preemptive internal security measures to maintain regime stability amid continued military degradation.