Iran's political system remains unaffected by military strikes and the assassination of senior officials, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Al Jazeera on Wednesday.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran has a strong political structure with established political, economic, and social institutions,” Araghchi said, regarding the IDF's assassination of senior Iranian official Ali Larijani on Tuesday.
“The presence or absence of a single individual does not affect this structure.”
He added that leadership changes would not disrupt governance. “We have not had anyone more important than the leader himself, and even the leader was martyred. Yet the system continued to work and immediately provided a replacement,” he said.
Araghchi said officials could be targeted amid the fighting. “Anyone could become a target,” he said, adding that “political figures, civilians, scientists, and university professors have all been targeted.” He also referred to attacks on “53 hospitals,” as well as schools and residential areas. “It is even possible that the foreign minister could be attacked,” he said.
On Operation Epic Fury, Araghchi said Iran “did not start this war” and described it as “America’s war.” He said Iran’s response has focused on US assets in the region.
“When the United States attacks us, our armed forces… cannot reach US territory. Therefore, we are inevitably compelled to respond by striking US military bases in the region,” he said.
He said Iran had not intentionally targeted civilians in neighboring countries. “We have not attacked civilian targets in neighboring countries,” he said, while adding that “in some places, there may be collateral consequences.” He said some US personnel had been relocated “into hotels inside cities.”
Araghchi said Iran’s priority was domestic security. “Our people are our best friends,” he said. “First and foremost, we must protect them.” He added that regional impacts were the result of US actions, saying “all of this is America’s fault.”
On the Strait of Hormuz, Araghchi said Iran would restrict access to enemies. “Naturally, we will not allow our enemies to use this waterway,” he said, adding that some countries were in contact with Iran regarding safe passage.
He also called for future arrangements governing the waterway, saying that after the war, “the first step should be drafting a new protocol… so that peaceful navigation… can be permanently maintained under clear regulations.”
Iran FM: 'We do not accept a ceasefire'
Regarding diplomatic efforts, Araghchi said Iran does not support a temporary halt in fighting. “We do not accept a ceasefire,” he said. “We believe in ending the war.” He added that any proposal would need to ensure the conflict “ends permanently across the entire region” and include compensation for Iran.
He said multiple countries could play a mediating role, including China. “China certainly has strong capacities,” he said, adding that Iran would consider “any idea that meets our demands.”
On nuclear policy, Araghchi said Iran’s position remains unchanged. “Iran’s nuclear doctrine has been a peaceful one,” he said, adding that future positions would depend on the views of the country’s leadership.
“We must wait until we become aware of his views,” he said.
He also rejected claims of leadership uncertainty, responding to comments attributed to US President Donald Trump. “We have a president, we have a foreign minister, we have the leader. All the pillars of the system are in their proper place,” he said.
In remarks directed at the US public, Araghchi said, “This war is neither the war of the American people nor the war of Iran. This is Israel's war, designed for Israel's interests, for those who believe in Israel first.”
He added, “The cost is being paid by the people of Iran, the people of the region, and the people of the United States,” and said that “ending the war depends on the will of the American people to compel their government to take a wiser path.”