Iran won war and diplomacy, minister says after Trump call

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Tuesday declared that Tehran had prevailed in both warfare and diplomacy following days of resistance against coordinated military pressure. Speaking at a public event, Araghchi said Iran had faced down "the world's largest apparent military" alongside another army claiming significant power, backed by nearly all Western nations and some regional states, according to the Tasnim news agency.

Araghchi stated that those initially demanding Iran's capitulation had shifted their position once hostilities commenced. "Those who were seeking unconditional surrender, shortly after the war began, begged for negotiations," he said.

Tehran's conditions for ceasefire

The foreign minister said Tehran initially rejected ceasefire proposals and continued fighting until the opposing side accepted a cessation of hostilities on Iranian terms. "We fought with strength, and we negotiated with strength," Araghchi said, adding that several foreign ministers had subsequently told him: "You won both the war and diplomacy."

White House pressure

Araghchi's remarks came one day after US President Donald Trump publicly called upon Iran to give up and "raise the white flag." Trump issued the surrender demand on Monday as tensions between Washington and Tehran continue to escalate amid ongoing regional hostilities.