Tehran, March 18 (ANI) — Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran’s political system remains resilient and will not suffer a fatal blow after the confirmed killing of Ali Larijani.
Larijani, 67, who served as secretary of the Supreme National Security Council and was a prominent figure in Tehran’s security apparatus, was killed in an attack on Monday night, Iranian officials say. State media described his death as the highest-ranking loss in Iran’s leadership since the conflict began 19 days ago.
In an interview with Al Jazeera broadcast after Larijani’s death was confirmed, Araghchi stressed that the Iranian government “does not rely on a single individual.” He argued that the Islamic Republic has strong political, economic and social institutions, and that the presence or absence of any one person would not undermine the overall structure. While acknowledging that individuals can be influential, Araghchi insisted the system is built to withstand such losses.
Araghchi also reiterated a claim that an earlier reported loss involved the country’s supreme leader, saying those initial strikes on February 28 did not topple the system and that a replacement was promptly provided. He used that example to emphasize that other senior posts, including the foreign minister’s, would be filled if necessary.
Iranian state media additionally reported the death of Brigadier General Gholamreza Soleimani, head of the Basij forces, describing him as a key figure in internal security and the military response.
Araghchi reiterated Tehran’s position that it did not initiate the escalation, declaring, “This war is not our war,” and accused the United States of starting the conflict. He held Washington responsible for the human and financial consequences affecting Iran, the region and the wider world, and said the United States “must be held accountable.” (ANI)
