Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has issued a strong warning to the international community following the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. In a letter addressed to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the Security Council, Araghchi stated that the attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran and the assassination of Khamenei would have "deep and widespread" consequences, the responsibility for which lies solely with the "perpetrators".
According to the official news agency IRNA, this statement comes a day after US and Israeli airstrikes on Tehran and other Iranian cities. Araghchi described these attacks as "cowardly terrorist acts" and blatant violations of international law, including the prohibition of the use of force and the principle of sovereign equality of states. He stressed that such acts create a dangerous precedent that threatens the fundamental norms of state sovereignty.
Iran views Khamenei's assassination as a violation of international law and a threat to global peace and security. Araghchi urged the international community to take urgent action to end the conflict and reach a diplomatic resolution. Iran has also reaffirmed its inherent right to defend itself under the UN Charter.
Iranian state media confirmed that Khamenei, who had led the Islamic Republic since 1989, was killed in coordinated air and missile strikes by the United States and Israel, dubbed "Operation Epic Fury" by the US and "Roaring Lion" by Israel. The strikes targeted strategic sites in Tehran and other cities, causing considerable destruction and casualties, including members of Khamenei's family. Iran has declared 40 days of national mourning and seven days of public holidays.
In response, US President Donald Trump claimed that there was a possibility of dialogue with Iran. Trump called Khamenei "one of the most evil people in history" and said his death was "justice for the Iranian people". Khamenei's assassination has exacerbated tensions in the Middle East, with Iran launching missile and drone attacks against US and Israeli facilities in the region. World powers have called for restraint, fearing an escalation of the conflict.
