Teheran, Sketsa.id – Iran has expressed confidence in achieving victory in the ongoing war with the United States and Israel. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi denied reports of seeking a ceasefire with Washington and asserted that Tehran is preparing to celebrate the success of its resistance in the near future.
“We are engaged in proud resistance and will continue our resistance without hesitation. In the coming days, we will celebrate our victory in this war,” Araghchi said in a statement carried by ISNA News Agency on Monday (March 16, 2026).
The statement also refuted reports suggesting Tehran was pursuing a ceasefire with Washington. Araghchi emphasized that Iran has not sent any messages requesting an end to hostilities.
The US and Israel have launched joint attacks against Iran since February 28, 2026. The conflict, which has lasted more than two weeks, has killed approximately 1,300 people, including former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In retaliation, Tehran has launched drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and several Gulf states, which it claims host US military assets.
Strait of Hormuz Open Only to Friends, Closed to Enemie
Araghchi stressed that the Strait of Hormuz, the world’s primary transit route for oil tankers, remains open for shipping but only to nations not hostile to Iran.
“The strait is open, and closed only to enemies. This war must end in such a way that the enemy no longer thinks of attacking Iran, and attacks are not repeated,” he asserted.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei added that vessel traffic through the strategic waterway will operate under special conditions due to the insecurity created by Israel and the US in the region. Iran’s armed forces are said to have full control over the passage and will not allow any nation to use it to launch attacks against Iran.
“Iran, as a coastal state, has the right to take necessary measures in the strait to ensure national security and prevent aggressors from abusing this waterway,” Baghaei stated.
Iranian Missiles Penetrate Israeli Territory
Israeli media reported that debris from intercepted Iranian missiles struck several locations in central Israel on Monday. Cities including Shoham, Rishon LeZion, Lod, and Ness Ziona near Tel Aviv were affected by falling missile fragments. Fortunately, no casualties or significant damage were reported.
Araghchi stated that these retaliatory strikes serve as a valuable lesson for Iran’s adversaries. “They now understand what kind of country they are dealing with—a nation that does not hesitate to defend itself and is ready to continue the war wherever it leads and as far as necessary,” he said during the Foreign Ministry’s weekly briefing.
Casualties on the Israeli Side
Israel’s Health Ministry has recorded at least 3,369 injured individuals, including both civilians and military personnel, who have been hospitalized since the war began. This figure includes 142 people injured in the past 24 hours.
With these various factors, Iran grows increasingly confident that victory will be on their side. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz to enemy nations, the continuing threat of missiles penetrating Israeli territory, and the high number of casualties on the opposing side serve as Tehran’s main assets to continue resisting and fighting. (Cc)
