Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has praised his nation’s resilience after nearly eight months of war with the U.S., crediting civil defense efforts, national mobilization and cooperation between the armed forces and diplomatic service.
“The victorious resistance of our beloved country during the enemy’s two recent acts of aggression has been made possible only through the solidarity and mobilization of all military and civilian sectors, as well as the proud presence of all segments of the Iranian people on the front lines of resistance,” he said in a message marking Iran’s Civil Defense Week.
Araghchi added that close coordination between the armed forces and the diplomatic service had brought “great achievements” in safeguarding Iran’s independence and dignity.
He said the foreign ministry would use its diplomatic capabilities to defend the country politically and legally and protect national interests.
“It will spare no effort in pursuing this mission,” Araghchi said.
Last week, intelligence firm Kpler told The Wall Street Journal that the shadow fleet of tankers holding Iran’s offshore oil reserves, which it had been selling to China throughout the war against the U.S. and Israel, had run dry.
The millions of barrels of crude, held on dozens of oil tankers in Asian water, ran out in mid-October, Kpler told the outlet, with a U.S. naval blockade preventing Iran from replacing the crude being sold to Chinese refineries.
The U.S. naval blockade has cost Iran at least $25 billion in oil revenue, according to U.S. Central Command.
Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf on Sunday called for a campaign to cut gas consumption by at least 10%, with officials anticipating shortages as winter approaches.
