Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has stated that Tehran’s recent military actions against Israel were carried out in self-defence, amid ongoing hostilities between the two countries.

Speaking at a press conference in Tehran on Sunday — his first public appearance since Israeli airstrikes began on Friday — Araghchi warned that Iran does not wish to see the conflict escalate into neighbouring countries, unless compelled by circumstances.

“If the aggression stops, our responses will also stop,” Araghchi told reporters and foreign diplomats gathered in the Iranian capital.

The remarks come as Israel launched a third consecutive day of airstrikes across Iran, reportedly targeting military and nuclear-related infrastructure. Some Iranian missiles reportedly bypassed Israeli air defences and hit structures deep inside the country.

Araghchi criticised the United States for failing to condemn what he described as “illegal Israeli strikes” on Iran’s nuclear facilities. “The US must not remain silent on this blatant violation of international law,” he said.

He reiterated Iran’s stance that its military response is rooted in Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, which allows for self-defence in the case of armed attack. “Our actions have been defensive in nature. We do not seek war, but we will not remain silent in the face of aggression,” he said.

There was no immediate comment from Israeli authorities following the Iranian minister’s remarks. However, Tel Aviv has previously indicated that its strikes are aimed at preventing Iran from advancing its military and nuclear capabilities.