Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s Foreign Minister, in remarks referring to the martyrdom of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, described the event as “a great loss” for the Iranian nation and stated that the path of guardianship and resistance will continue with even greater strength.

He said: “I cannot find the right words to offer condolences; perhaps we must offer condolences to ourselves, for we have been deprived of the presence of a great and wise leader. For him, however, this was the pinnacle of felicity—a lifetime of struggle and effort that reached perfection through martyrdom.”

The foreign minister added that losing a leader who guided the country’s affairs with prudence is a great loss for the nation. Contrary to certain portrayals outside the country, he said, the Leader was a compassionate and kind figure, filled with grace and affection, and his loss weighs heavily on the Iranian people.

Referring to the continuation of the Islamic Revolution’s path, Araghchi stressed that, as the Founder of the Islamic Republic emphasized, if a flag falls from the hands of one commander, another will raise it. The banner of Islam and Shi’ism, which was in the hands of the Leader of the Revolution, will, by divine grace, be entrusted to a worthy individual, and this path will continue.

He continued: “The sapling of Velayat-e Faqih planted by the Imam was transformed during the leadership of the Leader of the Revolution into a strong and towering tree. Those enemies who believe that with his martyrdom this tree will fall will see that this blessed tree will continue its course even more fruitful and resilient than before.”

Pointing to the culture of sacrifice and martyrdom in Shi’a teachings, Araghchi said that while the martyrdom of commanders may appear unusual from an external perspective, in Shi’a tradition it is well known that leaders stand at the forefront and offer their lives for their ideals. He said this culture has made the Islamic Republic stronger and more dynamic over the past 47 years.

Araghchi emphasized that today, despite the martyrdom of the Leader of the Revolution and several senior commanders, the Islamic Republic of Iran stands firm against some of the most powerful armies in the world—armies equipped with the most advanced land, sea, and air weaponry and attacking with full force—yet the Iranian nation remains steadfast.

He noted that the experience of the Islamic Revolution has shown that the blood of martyrs not only does not weaken the nation but strengthens motivations and convictions, and that this path will continue with greater firmness.

Addressing the recent military confrontation, Araghchi stressed that Iran’s steadfastness in the face of major powers stems from the structural strength of the Islamic Republic.

He said that the fact the Islamic Republic continues to stand firm and deliver powerful responses despite the martyrdom of its Leader and senior commanders demonstrates that the system possesses deep-rooted and resilient foundations and does not collapse with the loss of individuals.

Araghchi added that the loss of the martyrs, especially the Leader of the Revolution, is a heavy sorrow; “our hearts and souls are wounded by this tragedy, like a family losing a great father.” Yet the Islamic Republic, founded by the late Imam and strengthened during the Leader’s tenure, has such deep roots that it can withstand the fiercest threats.

Referring to the international dimensions of the incident, Araghchi said the crime committed by the United States and the Zionist regime was not merely the removal of a political leader; he was also a religious authority with a wide following across the Islamic world, making the act even more consequential.

He said widespread protests had been witnessed in several countries in recent days, including in one country where, during a gathering outside a US consulate, several protesters were martyred. These reactions, he said, show that the spiritual influence of the Leader extended beyond Iran’s borders.

Araghchi said that over the past three days he had held numerous calls with foreign ministers in the region and beyond to explain the dimensions of the act. Assassinating national leaders, he noted, is a grave and unacceptable crime under international law, particularly when that leader also holds a transregional religious position.

He added that numerous condolence messages had been received from world leaders, reflecting the Leader’s international standing, including from Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega and senior officials from Russia and regional countries.

The Foreign Minister emphasized that the US action was not merely a political crime but one with religious dimensions and deep regional and international consequences. He said it appears those who designed the act have not fully grasped the repercussions they will face—repercussions already visible in widespread public protests and reactions that will continue in the future.

US bases in the region are legitimate targets for us

Elaborating on the recent confrontation with the United States, Araghchi stressed that had Washington directly entered the war, it would have been impossible to keep the conflict limited, and it would naturally have extended to the region.

He said Iran had repeatedly warned regional countries that if the United States entered the war, the confrontation would not remain solely between Iran and the US—not because Iran sought to regionalize the war, but because US military bases and facilities are spread throughout the region.

Araghchi stated that the United States targets Iranian territory through its fighter jets, naval vessels, and missiles. “We do not have access to the US mainland, but we do have access to its military bases in the region, and from our perspective these bases are legitimate targets, as they are instruments of aggression against Iran and belong to a country that has attacked us.”

He added that even if it is claimed some bases were not used against Iran, their belonging to a country that daily targets Iran’s cities, hospitals, and schools does not alter their nature. “When more than 160 innocent schoolgirls are targeted in a school attack, one cannot expect Iran to refrain from responding to the aggressor’s military infrastructure.”

He said he had repeatedly explained to regional foreign ministers that the Islamic Republic holds no hostility toward its neighbors. Iran’s policy, he stressed, has always been one of good neighborliness, and even under the most difficult circumstances, expanding relations with neighbors has remained a priority.

“Our confrontation is not with regional countries,” he said, “but with US forces stationed at military bases in those countries. From our perspective, this is a war between Iran and the United States that, due to the extensive US military presence in the region, has unfortunately taken on regional dimensions.”

Araghchi said Iran expects regional countries, instead of pressuring the Islamic Republic, to call on the United States to halt what he described as an unlawful and unjust war—one that began without any justified reason and endangered regional stability.

Turning to negotiations, Araghchi said Iran entered talks fully aware of the possibility of US deception, in order to demonstrate to global public opinion that the Islamic Republic is committed to logic and negotiation, and that it was Washington that betrayed the negotiating table.

He said even with awareness of hostile intent, Iran engaged in talks to leave no room for doubt and to ensure no one could claim Iran had avoided dialogue. Had Iran refused negotiations and war then begun, he noted, some might have argued that war could have been prevented through dialogue. “Today, however, it is clear to all that the other side’s intent from the beginning was aggression.”

He stressed that Iran was not deceived. The armed forces carried out their mission, the government was fully prepared, and shortly after the attacks began, a military response was delivered and necessary measures were taken to meet the people’s needs.

Araghchi reiterated that the Islamic Republic believes in logic, wisdom, and negotiation, but in the face of aggression will use every method necessary to defend its people and territorial integrity. He said the true face of the enemies of the Iranian nation has become increasingly clear to the world.

By negotiating, we completed our proof; today the war is more legitimate

Araghchi said that although there was a possibility the other side entered negotiations for propaganda purposes or to impose its demands, the Islamic Republic proceeded with precise calculation and full prudence.

He said the issue of negotiations had been reviewed in multiple sessions of the Supreme National Security Council, with careful decisions taken regarding framework, stages, and topics, in accordance with official procedures. “We entered negotiations and not only did we not suffer losses, but we showed the world that Iran seeks dialogue and it was the other side that pursued coercion.”

He stated that today the war holds greater legitimacy for the Iranian people because all are confident that the Islamic Republic did not neglect defending the nation’s rights, preventing war, and preserving regional peace, and that it tested the path of negotiation.

Referring to field developments, Araghchi said the Zionist regime believed during a 12-day war that a military strike would push Iranians into the streets against the system. Instead, he said, people came out in support of the Islamic Republic, and after 12 days the opposing side requested an unconditional ceasefire.

He said subsequent attempts through street unrest and terrorist actions also failed, and that in the latest phase, expectations of a different public reaction were again unmet, as the people and armed forces remained steadfast and delivered decisive responses.

Addressing claims about US military superiority, Araghchi said repeated operational errors are visible. Referring to claims about the downing of three F-5 fighter jets, he said that if reports suggesting a defensive error by a regional country were accurate, it would itself point to vulnerabilities in their defense structure.

He added that while they claim not to use regional airspace, such reports raise serious questions. Taken together, he said, these developments show that despite an image of grandeur, they are vulnerable in practice.

The Foreign Minister emphasized that Iranian missiles have accurately struck their intended targets, whether at US bases in the region or positions of the Zionist regime, and that despite multiple layers of defense, those forces have failed to prevent these strikes.

He said Iran does not deny the power of the opposing side, but experience has shown it is possible to stand against it. The essential condition, he said, is belief in domestic capabilities, trust in youth and the armed forces, and steadfastness, adding that divine promise belongs to a nation that perseveres.

We will deliver a protest note to Kuwait; diplomacy’s work begins after the war

Araghchi announced formal follow-up regarding reports of the downing of US fighter jets and extensive diplomatic actions. He said if claims that Kuwaiti air defense downed the jets are accurate, the Kuwaiti government must explain what those aircraft were doing in its airspace, and Iran will submit an official protest note.

He said numerous diplomatic notes have been sent in recent days, some foreign ambassadors summoned, and at least three letters dispatched to the United Nations. Iran also requested an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council, which was held. Although he expressed little hope for practical outcomes, he said the council serves as a platform to present Iran’s positions.

He noted that Russia and China supported Iran’s positions at the Security Council, alongside Pakistan and other countries. Iran has also requested an emergency session of the Board of Governors and raised the matter within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, where a statement may be issued.

Araghchi said that given Western media dominance over global news space, Iranian diplomats are making extensive efforts to convey the voice of the Iranian people through interviews with international networks, engagements by Iranian ambassadors with local media, and diplomatic meetings.

He stressed that the Foreign Ministry considers itself alongside the armed forces in fulfilling its responsibilities. “In the midst of war, we must be the voice of the Iranian people abroad and defend the country’s positions. Legally as well, we are obliged to safeguard the nation’s rights.”

Araghchi concluded that as he has told his colleagues before, once the war ends the armed forces’ work may conclude, but the work of diplomacy will just begin. Documentation must be gathered and presented in legal and international forums to ensure accountability for those responsible for the war and their partners.

“In addition to military deterrence, political deterrence is essential,” he said, adding that the Foreign Ministry is tasked with using diplomatic measures to prevent future aggression, and that this path will be pursued with seriousness.