Iran thwarts Israeli plot to assassinate Foreign Minister Araghchi
Iran foiled an Israeli plot to kill FM Araghchi ahead of Geneva talks, with intelligence services uncovering a serious threat, officials confirm.
-
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi listens to a question in a joint press briefing with his Omani counterpart Sayyid Badr Albusaidi after their meeting in Tehran, Iran, on December 30, 2024. (AP)
Iranian intelligence services have reportedly foiled a major Israeli plot to assassinate Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Tehran, according to an Iranian government advisor. Mohammad Hossein Rangbaran, a senior official and advisor to the Foreign Ministry, confirmed that the conspiracy was neutralized by what he described as “precise security measures.”
Describing the attempt as “a large conspiracy,” Rangbaran credited Iran’s intelligence community, referred to as "our unknown soldiers," for preventing what could have been a serious act of aggression in recent days.
Araghchi's Geneva mission draws heightened threats
The development comes as Araghchi prepares to participate in crucial Geneva talks with the European troika, Germany, France, and the UK, amid growing tensions between Iran and the Israeli occupation. In a post on X, Rangbaran directly linked the assassination attempt to Araghchi’s diplomatic engagement, implying that the Israeli regime sought to undermine Iran’s position through covert violence.
Rangbaran emphasized that the threat was “real and serious,” reflecting the high-stakes nature of the current regional crisis and the symbolic significance of Araghchi’s diplomatic role.
Read more: Araghchi: Iran acts in self-defense, despite outrageous aggression
FM likened to Soleimani in symbolic call for unity
In his remarks, Rangbaran portrayed Araghchi not only as a seasoned diplomat but as a committed servant of the Islamic Republic. He noted that the foreign minister “does not view himself merely as a diplomat, but rather as a soldier in service to the homeland.”
Drawing a symbolic parallel to the late Quds Force commander martyr General Qassem Soleimani, Rangbaran stated that Araghchi “seeks martyrdom on the same path.” He concluded by urging Iranians to support Araghchi and his colleagues in their ongoing efforts to defend Iran’s sovereignty and rights on the global stage.
Read more: US seeks Iran talks this week on nuclear deal, ceasefire: Axios
Tehran braces for further Israeli covert operations
The disclosure follows heightened security measures for senior Iranian officials as Tehran warns of intensified Israeli intelligence operations targeting leadership figures and critical institutions. Araghchi, a former nuclear negotiator with deep experience in Western diplomacy, has emerged as a central voice in Iran’s response to the joint pressure campaign mounted by Washington and Tel Aviv.
Read more: Iranian police arrest 18 Israeli-linked agents over drone attacks