The devastating US-Israeli airstrike on Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has sent shockwaves across the Middle East, with far-reaching implications for regional stability and global security. In an exclusive interview, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has given a harrowing account of the attack, revealing intelligence gaps that allowed Israel and the US to pinpoint their targets with precision.
Araghchi recounted being pulled from the rubble of a leadership compound in Tehran after three explosions rocked the building. He confirmed that both Israel and the US possessed accurate intelligence regarding Khamenei's whereabouts and those of senior officials, enabling them to launch a targeted strike. The third blast, he recalled, was almost next to their location, directly hitting the deputy chief of staff's office and severely damaging the compound.
The foreign minister also revealed that he has yet to meet with Iran's new leader, Khamenei's son Mojtaba, who has been appointed in a swift succession aimed at projecting stability and continuity. However, Araghchi stated that this move sends a clear message to the world that there will be no deviation from the regime's established policies and ideals.
Reflecting on earlier negotiations with the US, Mr Araghchi admitted he had always harboured doubts about their success, even though he believed they were a necessary diplomatic endeavour. He confirmed that Iran had offered the US a deal on its nuclear programme during the final round of talks in Geneva. However, he noted a sudden shift in Washington's stance towards a more bellicose approach, as conveyed to him by Oman's foreign minister, Badr Albusaidi, the day before the strikes commenced.
Crucially, Mr Araghchi highlighted what he perceives as a significant security vulnerability: "What matters, in my view, is the fact that Israel had intelligence about these meetings. This may point to a security gap that probably still exists. This needs to be fixed." He also disclosed that Iran had pre-emptively drawn up plans, codenamed "Code 110," to close the strategic Strait of Hormuz in the event of an attack targeting the Supreme Leader.
The Foreign Office continues to advise against all travel to Iran for British nationals due to the ongoing volatile security situation. The implications of these revelations could further heighten regional tensions, potentially impacting global oil prices and trade routes, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz – a critical chokepoint for international shipping.