TEHRAN: Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ismail Baghaei has stated that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is safe amid military developments.
Speaking to American media, Baghaei said, “I can assure you that the system is functioning because our system is very advanced and organized. Thank God, he is completely safe and secure.”
He emphasized that Iran’s political system does not revolve around a single individual, adding that all matters are being handled according to established plans. He further stated that Iran’s armed forces are carrying out defensive operations in response to what he described as ongoing aggression that began early in the morning.
Baghaei also accused the United States of undermining diplomatic efforts. He said that for the second time in nine months, diplomacy had been “betrayed.” Referring to previous negotiations, he noted that in June, during talks and just days before a sixth round of discussions, the U.S. and Israel allegedly launched attacks on Iran.
He added that Iran had been preparing to discuss technical aspects of a potential agreement in Vienna when what he termed renewed aggression began.
According to Baghaei, just a day earlier, an Omani mediator had indicated that a deal was within reach and that significant progress had been made.
“Iranians entered these negotiations in good faith and with seriousness,” he said, adding that Tehran was prepared to remain in Muscat, Geneva, or any other location for days or weeks to finalize a possible agreement.
Baghaei reiterated Iran’s longstanding position that it does not seek nuclear weapons. He stated that Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear energy is recognized under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), and described allegations regarding Iranian nuclear weapons ambitions as “false propaganda” aimed at damaging Iran’s image and justifying aggression.
He characterized the latest actions against Iran as “unprovoked and unjustified aggression,” asserting that Iran is acting in self-defense. Citing Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, he said Iran has the right to defend itself.
In response to questions about reported Iranian attacks in the Middle East, the spokesperson accused the United States of misusing the territory of other countries to carry out military operations against Iran.
He warned that any aggressive action against Iran could draw the entire region into a broader conflict.
