According to a report by The Times Of Israel on June 9, 2026, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran remains committed to diplomacy but indicated that the country is ready to respond militarily if necessary. His remarks came after US President Donald Trump vowed that Washington would retaliate against Iran following the downing of a US military helicopter over the Strait of Hormuz the previous night.
In a post on X, Araghchi emphasized Iran’s preference for peaceful engagement while underscoring its ability to defend itself. “Iran prefers the language of diplomacy,” Araghchi posts on X. “However, as our Brave Warriors have shown to the world, we know how to speak other languages too.”
The comments were made as sensitive negotiations continue between Tehran and Washington over a possible agreement aimed at ending the ongoing conflict. While reaffirming Iran’s diplomatic stance, Araghchi also suggested that the helicopter incident may not have been deliberate.
Addressing the circumstances surrounding the event, he pointed to the risks created by the presence of foreign military forces near Iranian territory. Araghchi argued that such deployments increase the likelihood of accidents, miscalculations, or unintended confrontations.
In a separate statement on X, he stressed Iran’s position regarding the strategic waterway. “The Strait of Hormuz is NOT international waters but shared between Iran and Oman… Foreign forces in proximity to our territory are at constant risk on account of their own human errors, plain accidents, or potentially being caught in crossfire,” Araghchi says.
He concluded by calling for the withdrawal of foreign military forces from the area as a way to prevent further incidents and reduce tensions. “To reduce risk, the best solution is for foreign forces to exit,” he adds.