Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, has revealed new details about the US-Israeli airstrike that killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, describing how he was pulled from the rubble of a leadership compound. In an exclusive interview, Araghchi confirmed that both Israel and the United States had precise intelligence on the location of Iran’s senior leadership, enabling the deadly attack.
How the Attack Unfolded
The joint strikes began shortly after 9am on the first day of the war, targeting meetings at the ministry of intelligence, the strategic council on foreign policy, and the defence council. Araghchi was reporting to Khamenei’s deputy chief of staff when the building was shaken by three blasts. He survived by constantly moving around Tehran by car ever since.
Security Gaps and Intelligence Failures
Araghchi warned that the attack pointed to a serious security gap that may still exist. “What matters is the fact that Israel had intelligence about these meetings,” he said, adding that the breach “needs to be fixed.” The revelation raises urgent questions about Iran’s internal security and foreign infiltration.
| Key Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Target | Ali Khamenei and senior officials |
| Attack Type | Joint US-Israeli airstrike |
| Time | 9am, first day of war |
| Survivor | Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi |
Diplomatic Efforts Before the War
Araghchi confirmed that Iran had offered a deal on its nuclear programme during the final round of talks in Geneva. However, Oman’s foreign minister informed him that Washington’s mood had suddenly turned more bellicose. “No one would be able to tell us that it was our fault,” Araghchi said of the diplomatic push.
New Leadership Under Mojtaba Khamenei
Although Araghchi has yet to meet the new leader, Khamenei’s son Mojtaba, he said the appointment sent “a very important message to the world that there would be no change in the regime’s policies and ideals.” The transition signals continuity in Iran’s hardline stance.
- US and Israel had accurate intelligence on leadership locations.
- Araghchi survived by moving constantly and avoiding fixed locations.
- Nuclear negotiations failed despite Iran’s last-minute offer.
- Security gaps remain a critical vulnerability for Iran.
- Mojtaba Khamenei assumes leadership with unchanged policies.
FAQ
Who killed Ali Khamenei?
A joint US-Israeli airstrike killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on the first day of the war, according to Iran’s foreign minister.
Did Iran try to negotiate before the attack?
Yes, Iran offered a deal on its nuclear programme in Geneva, but the US became more bellicose, leading to the airstrike.
What security gaps did Araghchi identify?
Araghchi said Israel had intelligence on the meetings, pointing to a likely security breach that still exists within Iran’s leadership.