The System Continues: Iran Says Assassinations Will Not Shake State

COLOMBO (News 1st); Iran has dismissed suggestions that the assassination of a senior security official would weaken the country’s political system, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stating that the Islamic Republic’s structure remains strong regardless of the loss of individual figures.

Speaking to Al Jazeera’s Ali Hashem, Araghchi was responding to a question regarding the announcement that Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Secretary, Larijani, had been assassinated.

“I do not know why the Americans and the Israelis still have not understood this point,” Araghchi said. “The Islamic Republic of Iran has a strong political structure with established political, economic, and social institutions. The presence or absence of a single individual does not affect this structure.”

He acknowledged that individuals play influential roles within the system, but stressed that the continuity of governance does not depend on any one person.

“Of course, individuals are influential and each person plays their role, some better, some worse, some less,” he said. “But what matters is that the political system in Iran is a very solid structure.”

Araghchi pointed to past experience to underline his position, noting that even the loss of the country’s highest leadership had not disrupted the system.

“We have not had anyone more important than the Leader himself. And even the Leader was martyred. Yet the system continued to work and immediately provided a replacement,” he said.

“If anyone else is martyred, it will be the same. If the Foreign Minister were ever to be martyred, there would ultimately be someone else to take the position.”

When asked whether he feared becoming a target himself, Araghchi said such a possibility could not be ruled out.

“Anyone could become a target,” he said, adding that recent events show there has been no hesitation in attacking a wide range of locations.

He claimed that 53 hospitals and many schools have been attacked in recent days, citing the Al‑Minab School as the most prominent example, where he said 168 students were killed. According to Araghchi, bank branches and numerous residential buildings have also been hit.

“Political figures, civilians, scientists, and university professors have all been targeted,” he said. “It is even possible that the Foreign Minister could be attacked.”

Despite these risks, Araghchi said Iranian officials remain resolute.

“But like everyone else, we are standing firm and working for the goals and interests of our country,” he said. “And we have no hesitation about giving our lives for it if necessary.”

The remarks underscore Iran’s assertion that targeted killings and attacks will not disrupt the continuity of its political system, even as security concerns remain high.