In a statement to NBC News, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reassured that the Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is still alive, amidst escalating concerns following recent military actions by the U.S. and Israel on Iranian territory. Referring to the chaos spawned by these attacks, Araghchi emphasized that high-ranking officials, including himself and Khamenei, are secure and functioning as necessary, asserting that they are managing the situation effectively. He noted that while some commanders may have been lost, these losses are not considered significant to their overall military operations.

Araghchi further elaborated on Iran's strategy in retaliation against perceived aggressors, making clear that the country is targeting American military bases in the Middle East rather than conducting attacks within American soil. This stance reinforces Iran's narrative of defending its sovereignty while simultaneously portraying a controlled response to external threats. The foreign minister mentioned that the regime is currently actively responding to the attacks, aiming to fortify their position in the region and reassure both their allies and domestic audience of their resilience.

Moreover, the statement underscores the high stakes in the current geopolitical climate, highlighting both the immediate tensions and the potential for broader conflict should responses escalate. Khamenei's forthcoming address, as indicated by the Iranian state media, is likely to further outline Iran's stance and perhaps provide additional details on their military response, which could influence the regional dynamics significantly.