Tehran: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Sunday firmly rejected any foreign role in selecting Iran's next supreme leader, as a senior cleric announced that the Assembly of Experts had already voted on a successor to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. "We allow nobody to interfere in our domestic affairs," Araghchi told NBC News. "It is only the business of the Iranian people and nobody else's."
According to Anadolu Agency, Araghchi's remarks were a direct rebuff to US President Donald Trump, who mentioned his expectation of personal involvement in selecting Iran's next leader. Trump dismissed the reported frontrunner Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the slain supreme leader, as "a lightweight." Meanwhile, senior Iranian cleric Ahmad Alamolhoda stated that the Assembly of Experts had held its vote and chosen a successor, although no name was disclosed.
Araghchi also confirmed that military cooperation with Russia was ongoing, emphasizing that it was neither new nor secret. When asked if Moscow was assisting Iran in locating US forces, he admitted to lacking detailed military information but acknowledged that Russia was "helping in many different directions." US envoy to the UN, Mike Waltz, recognized the Russian-Iranian intelligence relationship but questioned its effectiveness, noting that if intelligence was being shared, "it certainly hasn't been very effective."
Araghchi addressed potential consequences for Moscow over reports of sharing intelligence to aid Iran in targeting US assets. He mentioned that special envoy Steve Witkoff had already sent Russia "a very strong message" and that President Trump would "deal with it accordingly," without providing further details.
Regarding Iran's military strategy, Araghchi stated that Iran would continue fighting until a permanent end to hostilities was achieved, emphasizing the security of the Iranian people. He refuted claims that Iran was targeting neighboring Gulf states, clarifying that Tehran's attacks were directed at US military bases and installations on their soil. Araghchi dismissed reports of Iranian plans to develop longer-range missiles capable of reaching Europe or the US, asserting that Iran had limited its missile range to below 2,000 kilometers (1,243 miles) and had no plans to extend it.
Regional tensions heightened last week following a joint attack by the US and Israel on Iran, reportedly resulting in over 1,200 casualties, including Supreme Leader Khamenei. Tehran retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel and Gulf countries hosting US military assets.
