WANA (Mar 01) – Iran’s Foreign Minister, in an interview with Al Jazeera, described the assassination of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution as “unprecedented, extremely dangerous, and a clear violation of international law,” warning that Tehran will respond to threats without limitation under its right to self-defense.

 

Speaking on Sunday, Seyed Abbas Araghchi said the incident could significantly escalate regional tensions and push the situation into a more complex and high-risk phase. “Iran sets no limits when it comes to defending itself,” he stated, adding that the country will act within the framework of international law to safeguard its security and sovereignty.

 

Legal Transition Process Begins

Araghchi also announced the start of a legal transition process inside the country, saying a transitional council has been formed.

 

According to him, all procedures are being carried out in accordance with the Constitution, and the administration of the country continues in an orderly and uninterrupted manner.

 

He added that the process of selecting a new Leader is likely to move forward within the coming days under constitutional mechanisms.

 

He emphasized that all state institutions remain fully operational and that governance continues without disruption.

 

Relations with Neighbors and U.S. Military Presence

In another part of the interview, Araghchi reaffirmed that Iran maintains positive relations with Persian Gulf countries and has no intention of targeting its neighbors. “Iran does not attack Persian Gulf states; rather, it targets U.S. military presence within those countries,” he said.

 

Referring to recent strikes on certain U.S. military bases in the region, he claimed that these actions have prompted American forces to begin evacuating some facilities. He also noted that he remains in continuous contact with regional counterparts and has provided them with necessary explanations regarding Tehran’s position.

 

“A War Imposed on Iran”

The foreign minister acknowledged concerns and anger among some regional countries over recent developments but insisted that the conflict was “imposed on Iran” and was not initiated by Tehran. “This war was started by the United States and Israel. If pressure is to be applied, it should be directed at those who initiated it,” he said.

 

Araghchi called on neighboring countries to convey their dissatisfaction to Washington and Tel Aviv, adding that Iran’s armed forces have been instructed to exercise maximum precision in selecting targets to avoid unintended harm.

Smoke rises following an explosion, after Israel and the U.S. launched strikes on Iran, in Tehran, Iran, March 1, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

Position on Regime Change and the Strait of Hormuz

Araghchi described efforts aimed at changing Iran’s political system as “an impossible mission,” asserting that even the absence or martyrdom of the country’s Leader would not make such an objective achievable.

 

He also stated that Iran currently has no plans to close the Strait of Hormuz or disrupt international shipping routes, stressing that Tehran’s focus remains on defensive response and crisis management.

 

Diplomacy Conditional on Halting Attacks

Reaffirming that Iran has consistently supported diplomacy, Araghchi said the current circumstances are different and that the United States must explain its recent actions.

 

He added that any effort to end hostilities would depend on the immediate cessation of attacks and clarification regarding the incident.

 

“We do not expect anything from others, and we are capable of defending ourselves,” he concluded.