TEHRAN (Realist English). Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi suggested early Tuesday that Tehran’s military campaign in response to Israeli airstrikes may have concluded, noting that operations “continued until the very last minute.”
In a statement published on X (formerly Twitter) just after 4:00 a.m. Israeli time, Araghchi wrote: “The military operations of our powerful Armed Forces to punish Israel for its aggression continued until the very last minute, at 4 a.m.”
The post appeared to reference an earlier ultimatum issued by Araghchi, in which he stated that Iran would end its strikes if Israel ceased operations by 4 a.m. local time in Tehran — 30 minutes ahead of Israeli time. The timing of the post suggests Tehran may consider the current phase of hostilities over, at least conditionally.
“I thank our brave Armed Forces, together with all Iranians, for standing ready to defend our dear country until their last drop of blood, and for responding to any aggression by the enemy until the final minute,” Araghchi added.
Iran launched a series of retaliatory strikes against Israeli military assets following weekend attacks on its nuclear infrastructure. While the situation remains fluid, Araghchi’s statement indicates that Iran may now be seeking to pause further escalation — contingent on Israeli restraint.
Araghchi’s message offers a possible off-ramp in the rapidly escalating conflict, signaling Iran’s preference to frame its military action as a completed act of deterrence. The reference to a precise cutoff point reinforces Tehran’s narrative of proportionality — a calculated show of force rather than a declaration of war. Whether Israel accepts this implied ceasefire will define the next phase of the crisis.
