Iranian foreign minister: Tehran will do ‘whatever it takes’ after US, Israeli strikes

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi declared Sunday that his country will do 'whatever it takes' to defend itself amid escalating tensions following a series of U.S. and Israeli strikes. 'We are defending ourselves whatever it takes, and we see no limit for ourselves to defend our people, to protect our people,' Araghchi told host George Stephanopoulos on ABC News's 'This Week' program. The statement comes amid heightened regional tensions following recent military actions attributed to U.S. and Israeli forces against Iranian targets and proxies across the Middle East. The Iranian government has consistently framed these strikes as acts of aggression against its sovereignty and security interests. Araghchi's strong rhetoric suggests a potential shift in Iran's strategic posture, moving beyond its previous measured responses to similar incidents. The foreign minister's comments reflect growing concerns in Tehran about what it perceives as coordinated efforts by Western and Israeli powers to diminish Iran's regional influence and capabilities. The international community has expressed apprehension about the potential for further escalation, with neighboring countries particularly worried about the possibility of spillover effects that could destabilize an already volatile region.