TEHRAN: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said that the authority to decide whether Iran enters war or pursues peace rests solely with Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, while emphasizing that recent strategic decisions were made through the country’s constitutional institutions.
In a recent interview conducted amid the ongoing military confrontation with the United States, Araghchi stated that the decision to accept a ceasefire with Washington was reached through a consensus between Iran’s military and political leadership. He said the move was approved after consultations within Iran’s Supreme National Security Council and implemented in accordance with the country’s constitution.
The Iranian foreign minister, who represented Tehran during diplomatic negotiations held in Islamabad, Oman, and Switzerland, said Iran chose to resume talks with the United States after Washington demanded a halt to Iran’s uranium enrichment program while simultaneously threatening military action.
According to Araghchi, Tehran wanted to demonstrate to the international community that it had exhausted every diplomatic avenue before the conflict escalated further.
He also rejected widespread speculation that he maintains a close personal relationship with Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.
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“It is incorrect to assume that I am close to Mojtaba Khamenei,” Araghchi said, adding that he has never met him personally.
The foreign minister further revealed that only a limited number of individuals are permitted to meet the Supreme Leader, underscoring the highly restricted nature of access to Iran’s top leadership.
Araghchi’s remarks provide a rare insight into Iran’s internal decision-making process at a time of heightened regional tensions and continued international scrutiny over Tehran’s military and nuclear policies. His comments also highlight Tehran’s position that diplomatic engagement was pursued before military escalation, despite ongoing disputes over Iran’s nuclear program and regional security.
