Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has delivered a firm and clear message to the enemies, saying Tehran does not seek war, but will decisively defend itself if aggression is imposed upon it.
In an exclusive interview with Al Mayadeen on Thursday, Araghchi conveyed to regional countries during his Persian Gulf tours that any involvement of US bases in aggression against Iran would compel Tehran to target those bases in retaliation.
He criticized the American “security umbrella,” stating it has brought only insecurity to the region rather than protection.
“Had these US bases not been present in Iran’s neighboring countries, they would not have come under Iran’s retaliation,” he explained.
Regional states opposed the use of their territory for attacks on Iran, yet Washington proceeded regardless.
The foreign minister emphasized that Iran’s strong response to the aggression surprised the world, including US President Donald Trump, and Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and their allies. No one anticipated Iran’s immediate and powerful retaliation despite the scale of the assault.
In his interview, Araghchi delivered a powerful message of resolve, strategic clarity, and national unity, underscoring the Islamic Republic’s firm stance amid regional challenges and affirming the continuity of leadership under the new Supreme Leader.
Araghchi stated that Sayyed Mojtaba Khamenei leads the Islamic Republic with full authority and a highly influential role in all national affairs.
“Sayyed Mojtaba Khamenei has a highly influential and strong presence in the country’s ongoing affairs and holds full control over the reins of authority,” he stated.
Correspondence with the Leader remains ongoing and continuous, with his directives reaching officials promptly and being implemented with precision.
The foreign minister stressed broad national consensus around the new leadership, describing it as one of Iran’s key strengths at this critical juncture.
He affirmed that the same level of obedience and loyalty shown to the martyred Leader persists fully toward the new Leader of the Islamic Revolution.
Recounting the harrowing moments of the US-Israeli aggression, Araghchi revealed he was inside Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei’s office when it came under attack in the early hours of the war on February 28.
He said his immediate concern was not for his own safety but for the condition of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, whom he believed was likely in his office despite the heightened military tensions and warnings of war.
“My first thought and my first concern was the condition of the Leader,” he said.
He said he spent two days uncertain about the Leader’s fate while focusing on evacuation amid the rubble.
Despite advice to move to a secure location, the martyred Leader refused, declaring: “I will not go to a shelter or to a secure location unless every member of the Iranian people also has access to a safe place… Whatever happens to my people will happen to me as well.”
Araghchi praised this as the mark of a true leader who rules hearts, not merely governs.
He noted that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei personally issued directives on the war, demonstrating unwavering commitment even under direct threat.
Araghchi reiterated Iran’s principled positions on supporting the Axis of Resistance, insisting that any ceasefire must encompass all fronts, including Lebanon.
He stressed that Iran has never interfered in Lebanon’s internal affairs and views it as a brotherly nation.
The foreign minister made it clear that the martyrdom of Resistance leaders has only strengthened the movement, not weakened it.
Those who miscalculated Iran’s resilience have been proven wrong, and accountability for war crimes will continue to be pursued.
Throughout the interview, Araghchi projected confidence in Iran’s internal unity and strategic posture.
He dismissed attempts to sow doubt about leadership transition, confirming Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei’s full control and the uninterrupted flow of guidance from the highest levels.
Security considerations have guided public appearances, but the Leader’s engagement with the people and affairs of state remains robust and direct.
