Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has reassured the world that the assassination of Ali Larijani, a senior Iranian official, will not destabilize Iran’s political system. He emphasized that Iran’s structure is strong and resilient, with well-established institutions that remain functional regardless of individual losses. Speaking to Al Jazeera, Araghchi highlighted that while individuals play important roles, they do not define the system as a whole.
Larijani, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, was killed alongside his son Mortaza and deputy Alireza Bayat in an attack attributed to Israel. Additionally, Gholamreza Soleimani, a senior commander of Iran’s Basij paramilitary forces, was also killed in separate strikes. Larijani had become a key figure in Iran after the U.S. and Israel targeted Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other top leaders in a previous attack on February 28.
Araghchi noted that even the death of Khamenei, the highest authority in Iran, did not disrupt the system. He explained that Iran’s political framework is designed to adapt and continue functioning despite losses at any level. “The presence or absence of a single individual does not affect this structure,” Araghchi said.
In response to Larijani’s killing, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) vowed revenge. In a statement, the IRGC described Larijani as a martyr and stated that his death would only strengthen Iran’s resolve to fight against its enemies. The corps also announced retaliatory missile and drone attacks on Israel and Persian Gulf states, targeting strategic locations like Tel Aviv, Haifa, Be’er Sheva, and the Negev Desert.
Iran’s response underscores its commitment to defending its interests and sovereignty in the face of foreign aggression. Araghchi’s comments reflect Iran’s confidence in its ability to withstand external pressures, both politically and militarily.