Published:  Araweelo News Network/ Associated Online Agencie: March 6, 2026
Reading Time: 4 minutes

Tehra (ANN)- Senior Iranian officials say the country is defending itself against what they describe as a war imposed by the United States and Israel, as tensions across the Middle East continue to escalate.
Speaking in an interview with MSNBC, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi said Tehran is currently focused on protecting its population and has not exchanged messages with United States since hostilities began.
“We are defending ourselves,” Takht-Ravanchi said. “A war has been imposed on us, and we have the right to defend ourselves.”
The senior diplomat described the confrontation as a “war of choice” by the governments of United States and Israel, accusing them of carrying out indiscriminate attacks against civilian targets.
He claimed that civilians, including school children and medical workers, had been affected by the strikes, stating that Iranian authorities are working to “protect our rights and protect our people.”
No Messages With Washington
Takht-Ravanchi also denied that Iran has been in contact with Washington since the conflict began.
“No, we haven’t heard anything. We haven’t sent any message to the United States because we are defending ourselves now,” he said.
His remarks contradict claims from the The White House, which had suggested that diplomatic discussions before the conflict had been productive and accused Iran of negotiating in bad faith during talks related to its nuclear program.

Nuclear Program Dispute
U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff previously claimed Iranian negotiators acknowledged possessing around 460 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 percent—levels that Western officials argue could potentially be used for nuclear weapons.
Takht-Ravanchi rejected accusations of secrecy, saying the figures cited were already published by the International Atomic Energy Agency and other international experts.
“It’s not a secret,” he said.
He added that negotiations held in Geneva shortly before the conflict were constructive and that both sides had agreed to continue technical discussions in Vienna before the war began.

Warning Over U.S. Bases
The Iranian diplomat also defended Tehran’s warning that U.S. military bases across the Middle East could become targets if Washington takes direct military action.
According to Takht-Ravanchi, Iran has informed neighboring countries that American military assets stationed in the region could be considered legitimate targets under international law in the event of further attacks.

However, he denied that Iran deliberately targeted regional governments and rejected suggestions that Iranian missiles were aimed at Turkey, saying Tehran seeks peaceful relations with its neighbors.

Leadership Transition
Takht-Ravanchi also addressed the political situation following the reported death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who Iranian officials say was killed during U.S.-Israeli airstrikes.
He said an interim body of three officials has been formed to oversee the process of selecting a new leader in accordance with Iran’s constitutional framework.
“A new body has been established that consists of three people, and they will be responsible for choosing the new leader,” he said, adding that the process will follow the legal procedures outlined by the Iranian system.
Wartime Restrictions
The deputy foreign minister also defended the government’s decision to restrict communications during the conflict.
“Communication is important,” he said. “But more important is to save lives when the enemy commits an act of aggression.”
The remarks come as the conflict between Iran, Israel and U.S. forces continues to widen, raising fears of a broader regional war.

By Arraale M Jama Freelance Journalist and Human Rights
activist.
— Araweelo News Network | Associated Online Agencies