Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, described attempts to change the Iranian regime as a “mission impossible” in an interview with NBC News. His comments came shortly after a significant military operation by the U.S. and Israel against Iran, coinciding with President Donald Trump’s call for Iranian citizens to overthrow their government.
During the interview from Tehran, Araghchi emphasized the widespread support for the current regime among the Iranian populace. He stated, “You cannot do regime change while millions of people are supporting the so-called regime.” His remarks came in the context of ongoing negotiations, where Iranian officials were reportedly close to reaching a deal with U.S. special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in Geneva, aimed at preventing military escalation.
Despite the attack, Araghchi mentioned that key officials within the regime, including President Masoud Pezeshkian and top judiciary and parliamentary figures, had survived, although two military commanders were confirmed killed during the strikes. He noted that, as far as he knew, Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was alive, a detail later corroborated by Iranian state media.
The airstrikes occurred during Ramadan, shortly after a U.S. operation captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. This marked the second use of military force by the Trump administration against Iran within eight months.
In a video message, Trump urged the Iranian people to “take over your government,” presenting the attacks as an opportunity for potential change. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed this sentiment, stating that such actions would enable Iranians to reclaim their agency.
However, Araghchi dismissed the prospect of a successful regime change, highlighting the regime’s strong support and historical resilience, citing that many millions had celebratory demonstrations recently for the 1979 revolution anniversary. He acknowledged the unrest within Iran but reiterated that many citizens remained loyal to the government.
He called the U.S. military actions a “war of choice” and expressed Tehran’s desire for de-escalation, indicating Iran’s willingness to resume talks once the airstrikes concluded. Araghchi also refuted claims made by Trump regarding Iran’s missile capabilities, asserting that the country does not seek hostility toward the U.S. and has no intention of targeting American soil.
While acknowledging the recent violence in Iran, including a deadly strike on a school in Minab that resulted in numerous fatalities, Araghchi consistently framed Iran’s military posture as one of self-defense, clarifying that strikes against U.S. military establishments in the region were defensive measures and not acts of aggression.
The situation remains tense, yet there is an evident willingness from Iranian officials to engage diplomatically once military hostilities cease, suggesting a potential pathway to resolving ongoing tensions. The nuances in both nations’ positions highlight the complexities of geopolitical dynamics in the region.