In a sharp critique during the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister, Saeed Khatibzadeh, targeted the United States, describing the current conflict as an 'existential battle' for Iran. He questioned the presence of US military forces in the Gulf, sarcastically asking if American radars were merely for fishing in the Persian Gulf. Khatibzadeh also dismissed allegations that Tehran had closed the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that those claims were unfounded.

Khatibzadeh mocked former US President Donald Trump's comments regarding Iran's leadership, pointing out that while Trump professes to appoint leaders in Iran, he has been unsuccessful even in electing the mayor of New York. He emphasized a stark contrast in strategic thinking, stating that while Washington perceives the conflict through a simplistic lens akin to 'American football', Iran adopts a more complex perspective akin to 'chess'. This framing underscores a deeper understanding of geopolitical strategies and the stakes involved in the ongoing tensions.

The Deputy Foreign Minister stated that Iran has no choice but to defend itself valiantly against American and Israeli assaults, pledging that the country would fight 'to the last bullet and the last soldier' if necessary. His comments reflect the heightened tensions in the region and Iran's resolve to maintain its sovereignty and resist external pressures, while the ongoing Raisina Dialogue serves as a significant platform for discussing such critical international issues.