Abbas Araghchi, the foreign minister of Iran, said the country’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei remains in good health and continues to fully manage the country despite the ongoing regional conflict.
In an interview with The New Arab newspaper, Araghchi said the situation in Iran is stable and that state institutions are functioning normally as hostilities with the United States continue.
The Iranian minister said Tehran is open to forming a joint investigation committee with regional countries to determine the nature of recent attacks and whether they were linked to US operations.
He stated that Iranian strikes so far have targeted US military bases and interests in the region in response to attacks launched against Iran from those locations. According to Araghchi, Iran has avoided striking civilian areas in neighbouring countries.
The foreign minister also warned that Iran would retaliate against facilities of American companies in the region if Iranian oil infrastructure is targeted.
Araghchi added that diplomatic contacts remain ongoing with regional countries including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Oman as mediation efforts continue to reduce tensions and seek an end to the conflict.
He also said the strategic Strait of Hormuz remains open to global shipping, though Iran has warned it may restrict access to the United States and its allies.
The conflict escalated after joint attacks by Israel and the United States on Iran on February 28, which Iranian authorities say killed about 1,200 people, including former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Iran has since launched drone and missile strikes targeting Israel as well as locations in Jordan, Iraq, and several Gulf states hosting US military facilities.
Source: TRT World
