'Everything was in ruins': Iran's FM Araghchi describes surviving Israel's opening strikes

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has provided a rare public account of the initial hours of the Israel-Iran war, describing a narrow escape from an Israeli strike on a compound where senior officials were gathered. In a lengthy interview, Araghchi detailed the panic, destruction, and confusion that ensued, while also admitting to significant security lapses within the Islamic Republic.

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I was with Ali Hejazi, chief of staff to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, at nine o'clock, and we were finally going over a report on the negotiations. I happened to have reached the part describing the heavy wartime atmosphere... then suddenly, there was an attack.

Araghchi recounted being at the compound of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei when the attack occurred. He was reviewing a report with Ali Hejazi, chief of staff to the Supreme Leader, when the strike hit. The blast devastated the compound, leaving it in ruins. "Water was dripping from the ceiling, and everything was in a state of ruin," Araghchi said, describing the scene as he and others navigated through debris.

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We entered through the same beams, beds, and other wooden debris. From the room, we came into a hall where the sound of 'Ya Hossein' could be heard. Water was dripping from the ceiling, and everything was in a state of ruin.

Security personnel quickly evacuated Araghchi from the area, fearing further attacks. He was driven to the Foreign Ministry in an ordinary civilian car by a young security official. Araghchi also expressed surprise at Israel's precise intelligence regarding the movements of Iran's senior leadership, suggesting it went beyond technological capabilities. "I no longer attribute this to technology or artificial factors," he stated, indicating a need to investigate potential human infiltration within Iran's security apparatus.

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The security personnel quickly grabbed my hand, telling me I had to leave because the attacks would probably continue.

Iranian authorities are reportedly investigating the possibility of infiltration, which Araghchi believes could affect decision-making and the psychological environment. The minister's account highlights concerns about security vulnerabilities and the extent of Israel's intelligence reach within Iran.

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A young man came up and said, 'Sir, come on, I'll take you to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.' The poor guy showed up with what I think was a Tipa or maybe a Peugeot 206. We got in, and he drove me to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.