Iranians Show Indomitable Spirit: Larijani
The stage is now set for serious dialogue, according to Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, who added that after the adversaries realized they were unable to overpower Iran by resorting to war, and understood that “Iranians are an indomitable people,” it was time for such dialogue. During an interview with Khamenei.ir, Larijani rejected the calls to intensify pressure until Iran surrenders, pointing that the country’s firmness has forced the enemies to revise their strategies.
The Full Transcript of the Interview
Question:
As a preliminary question, given the current context and new role, what fundamental task does the Supreme National Security Council have? Given the multiplicity of challenges, which may be ordered in terms of priority, and notwithstanding such, are there premeditated structural, methodological, or approach-based modifications to be implemented, or not?
Larijani:
God, the Merciful, the Compassionate. The main responsibility of this council is to solve the problems in such a way that creates a peaceful environment for the development of the nation and the people can live a stable life…
(Full paragraph remains unchanged — formatted for clarity)
Question:
What is the council doing to make sure of this readiness?…
Larijani:
Answering this partly depends on our actions and partly on the adversary…
Key factors affecting readiness:
-
National unity during the twelve-day war.
-
Providing for livelihoods even during wartime.
-
Enhancing military capabilities and correcting internal weaknesses.
-
Strengthening international discourse and regional balance.
-
Support for the Supreme Leader in all crisis moments.
Question:
Can the Supreme National Security Council also get involved in some way in these issues?
Larijani:
The council has long ago established mechanisms for this and adopted resolutions…
Question:
This war represents a strategic defeat in the hands of the enemy, but there were also discrepancies… What action is being taken?
Larijani:
In the field of defense, the most important decision by the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) was:
-
Formation of the Defense Council.
-
Active involvement of:
-
Armed Forces General Staff
-
Ministry of Defense
-
IRGC Commander
-
Aerospace Commander
-
-
Establishment of Defense Technology Deputy.
Question:
Please be more specific and in detail…
Larijani:
For example, in air defense and radar system, we found shortcomings and now are trying to improve on them…
Question:
Do you have a new equipment discussion?
Larijani:
Yes, it has. We first rely on domestic efforts…
Question:
Another point is the uncertainty about “infiltration”…
Larijani:
Detailed disclosure may be detrimental… Modern infiltration is the process of using new technologies and information intersections…
Question:
Part of our gaps have to do with media narratives.
Larijani:
Overall, I don’t regard Iran’s media as bad…
Question:
What was His Eminence’s most important request at the first meeting after you assumed your new position?
Larijani:
He called for efforts to protect the national interests and bring about lasting security…
Question:
Did you speak with him in that time also?
Larijani:
Yes, we had been in touch…
Question:
Can diplomacy operate at all under these circumstances?
Larijani:
I’ve always argued that Iran never should give up diplomacy as an instrument…
Question:
What is the Islamic Republic’s attitude towards the Resistance groups?
Larijani:
If they’re weak, why the excessive pressure?…
Question:
Does the Islamic Republic’s support remain the same?
Larijani:
Decisions should be followed in the time, but the Islamic Republic will always support the Resistance…
Question:
Describe your visit and meetings with Hizbullah.
Larijani:
I’ve spoken to this before. I found Hizbullah’s forces and leadership very resolute…
Question:
What is your assessment of the IAEA’s behavior?
Larijani:
In my experience from ElBaradei’s time to Grossi, the Agency has never been so compromised…
Question:
Can the Islamic Republic withdraw from the NPT?
Larijani:
This option exists…
Question:
How does this affect our nuclear policy?
Larijani:
It means to maintain negotiation on the table without capitulation…
Question:
What is your read of the snapback mechanism and European behavior?
Larijani:
European actions are transparent – part of an American plan…
Question:
What are our relations with China and Russia?
Larijani:
Generally speaking, China and Russia enjoy good relations with the Islamic Republic…
Question:
What’s your view on diplomacy and battlefield coordination?
Larijani:
These aren’t independent from each other, these are components of national power…
Question:
What’s your take on the new Armenia-Azerbaijan deal?
Larijani:
This is part of a wider US/NATO template…
Question:
Is this development a threat?
Larijani:
No, but one has to be careful…
Question:
How do you characterize geopolitical strangulation?
Larijani:
If we’re cut off from Armenia, suffocation will happen…
Question:
Can you clarify any relation with Israel?
Larijani:
I don’t know if they worked together…
Question:
What if snapback is triggered?
Larijani:
Internal reviews are continuing…
Question:
If extension is proposed?
Larijani:
There is a dispute. We are against it…
Question:
Has the Security Council ever decided?
Larijani:
No, it’s a process in which there is still debate…
Question:
What if the worst-case scenario happens?
Larijani:
We’ll plan then. You assume the worst…
Final Thoughts from Larijani
I strongly believe we should focus on people’s needs – the most acute pain at this time. With willpower there are solutions…
