Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi has declared that Iran is prepared to defend itself against the United States and Israel “for as long as it takes,” signaling that Tehran is not currently seeking a ceasefire as the conflict enters its third week. Araghchi made the remarks during an appearance on CBS’s Face the Nation, where he strongly criticized the ongoing military campaign launched against Iran earlier this month.

According to Araghchi, Iranian leadership views the operation conducted by the United States and Israel as an “illegal war,” arguing that the strikes violate international norms and target Iranian sovereignty. He stated that Iran would continue resisting militarily and politically if attacks persist, emphasizing that the country remains prepared for a prolonged confrontation.

The statement comes approximately fifteen days after a coordinated U.S.-Israeli military campaign began on March 1, 2026. The operation has reportedly targeted more than 2,000 sites across Iran, including missile infrastructure, military installations, and nuclear-related facilities. Military analysts note that the campaign rapidly established air superiority over key regions, significantly degrading Iranian air defense networks and strategic assets.

Among the most significant developments of the conflict was the reported death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, a development that has dramatically reshaped the internal political landscape of the Islamic Republic. The loss of the country’s highest authority has intensified tensions inside Iran while simultaneously raising questions about the future direction of its leadership and military strategy.

Despite the scale of the strikes, Iranian officials continue to project resilience and readiness to sustain the conflict. Araghchi’s comments suggest that Tehran intends to frame the confrontation as a defensive struggle against foreign aggression rather than a conflict it is seeking to quickly resolve through negotiation.

Meanwhile, international observers remain concerned that the war could expand further across the Middle East. Iran maintains relationships with multiple regional proxy groups capable of targeting U.S. forces and Israeli interests, raising the possibility that the confrontation could widen beyond direct strikes on Iranian territory.

The situation remains fluid as diplomatic channels attempt to reduce tensions, but Araghchi’s remarks indicate that Iran’s leadership is preparing its population and military for an extended period of confrontation. Whether the conflict moves toward negotiation or further escalation will likely depend on the strategic calculations of both sides in the coming weeks.