Speaking to Aljazeera news channel on Sunday, Araghchi described the assassination of Ayatollah Khamenei as “absolutely unprecedented, a big violation of international law against a leader of another country by foreign forces that would make this war of aggression by Americans against us even more dangerous and more complicated and would add new aspects to that.”

He emphasized that Tehran has no limit to defend itself, reiterating that Iran will defend itself within the framework of the legitimate right.

Referring to the beginning of a legal process inside the country for choosing the leader, the top Iranian diplomat said that a transitional council was formed, adding that all matters are underway smoothly and in accordance with the constitution.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Araghchi emphasized that Tehran’s relations with neighboring countries in the Persian Gulf are good, adding that Iran is not aiming to target its neighbors.

He added, “We are not attacking our brothers in the Persian Gulf, we are not attacking our neighbors, but we are attacking American targets, because the US military is targeting and attacking us.”

Referring to the launching of attacks on US military bases in the region, Araghchi said the operations have prompted American forces to begin evacuating some bases. He also said that he is continually in contact with his regional counterparts and presented the necessary explanations.

The top Iranian diplomat emphasized that Iran cannot witness attacks on itself and expects neighboring countries to remain silent.

Pointing to the American and Israeli intent to change the Islamic system in Iran, Araghchi said that changing the governing system in Iran is an impossible mission even on the absence or martyrdom of the leader.

He said that the condition is different this time, adding that Iran’s course of actions depends on the stoppage of raids by the enemies, and Tehran has no specific expectation of others and is capable of defending itself.

He also added that the Iranian military units are now independent and self-autonomous and act on the basis of pre-proposed guidelines.

The foreign minister reiterated that there is no plan to close the Strait of Hormuz or to disturb the waterway, adding that Iran’s focus is on defense response and crisis management.

Araghchi emphasized that any attempt to end the aggression is conditional on the immediate halt of US-Israeli attacks against Iran and an explanation about the aggression.