Last Updated:
Iran says the security breach that led to Ali Khamenei’s assassination still exists, raising fresh questions over Tehran’s intelligence failures.
Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (AFP File File)
US-Iran War: Is Iran’s security compromised? Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Sunday said the security breach that led to the assassination of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei remains unresolved, hinting that the vulnerability which enabled the attack may still exist.
Speaking to a news channel, Araghchi said the bombing of Khamenei’s residence during the opening phase of the war was possible because those behind the attack had detailed information about the former Supreme Leader’s daily routine and the senior-level meetings taking place at the compound.
Attack linked to intelligence leak
Araghchi said the attackers knew Khamenei was present in his office every morning and were aware that key government meetings were taking place nearby.
“They knew that the Leader (Ali Khamenei) was in the office every morning. As I understand it, the command center meeting was also being held two or three buildings away, and they chose exactly that moment. The Intelligence Ministry’s meeting was also taking place at that time,” he said.
According to Araghchi, the strike was made possible because of a security lapse that has not yet been fully addressed. “Therefore, the attack on the Leader’s office happened because of a security vulnerability, and that vulnerability probably still exists,” he said.
Further, recalling the events of February 28, Araghchi said he had warned President Masoud Pezeshkian that “the atmosphere is war” before meeting senior Khamenei aide Ali Asghar Mir Hijazi around 9 am.
Soon afterwards, Israeli forces struck the Tehran compound where Khamenei was attending a high-level leadership meeting.
Araghchi said several strategic meetings were taking place at the same time. “Holding simultaneous meetings was not unusual in those days, but the enemy’s knowledge of these meetings was the result of an information breach that probably still exists.”
The strikes killed Khamenei and several senior Iranian military commanders, dealing a major blow to Iran’s command structure.
‘War was certain’
Araghchi said Iran resumed negotiations with the United States despite believing another military confrontation was inevitable.
“I was certain (war would happen again)… our military forces were certain; we ourselves were certain,” he said. He said Tehran returned to diplomacy so that it could not later be accused of refusing negotiations.
“Because we were certain, we said one or two rounds of negotiation should take place. Perhaps the other side would back down from the zero-enrichment demand, though that was unlikely.”
“If they didn’t, we would have our justification. No one, not the international community, not people at home, could then say it was our fault, that we should have negotiated. That was the philosophy behind our entry into negotiations.”
Rejecting criticism from political rivals that diplomacy had weakened Iran’s position, Araghchi said, “I don’t accept that.”
“We are not here to do something for our own personal credibility or to preserve our own reputation.”
“I am the foreign minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran. My responsibility is to preserve the interests of the Islamic Republic, not my personal reputation.”
Supreme Leader has final authority
Araghchi also reiterated that the final decision on war and ceasefires rests with Iran’s Supreme Leader.
“The Supreme National Security Council is responsible for assessing the situation regarding war or a ceasefire, but the final decision rests with the Supreme Leader.”
He said Iran restarted negotiations after Washington renewed its demand that Tehran abandon uranium enrichment and warned of possible military action. “The decision was made to restart negotiations to make clear that Iran had exhausted diplomatic options.”
During the interview, Araghchi also commented on speculation surrounding Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, saying he had never met him personally. “Only a handful of people have met him,” Araghchi said.
Iran on Saturday announced the suspension of its ceasefire agreement with the US, accusing Washington of repeatedly violating the Islamabad MoU.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the security breach that led to Ali Khamenei’s assassination still exists, suggesting the vulnerability that allowed the attack may persist.
About the Author
Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior Sub‑Editor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influen…Read More
Read More
Source link
[ad_3]
