Former Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif stressed in an X post that “Iranians will repel any attacker, let alone a genocidal coward who has no idea what he has started” and affirmed that Iran has not initiated the war but will determine its outcome . He noted Iran has not attacked another nation in three centuries but has consistently defended itself . Zarif also emphasised the value of the country’s intellectual and national resources: “Buildings can be destroyed, but knowledge cannot—especially with ninety million patriotic and dedicated human potential.”
In parallel, Iran has accused IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi of failing to respond to Israeli strikes and announced intentions to pursue legal action . Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization chief Muhammad Eslamin condemns “repeated brutal attacks by the Zionist regime” on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, including the heavy‑water reactor at Arak, despite IAEA oversight .
Eslamin’s formal letter, referencing a June 13 correspondence, demanded Grossi “immediately end this inaction, condemn the Zionist regime’s violations, and fulfil his statutory duties.” Tehran’s Supreme Leader’s advisor Ali Larijani warned that after the war, Grossi would be held accountable .
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu clarified that Israel is not seeking regime change in Iran, stating: “It may be a result, but it is definitely not a declared or official objective” .
Iran strongly denied Israeli claims of targeting a hospital — Mehrnews reported: “Iran categorically rejects the false claim by Zionists that a hospital was targeted,” and emphasized its defensive operations comply fully with international law, targeting only those involved in illegal aggression .
