Tehran - BORNA - Saeed Khatibzadeh, Deputy Foreign Minister and Head of the Center for Political and International Studies at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized in an interview: "Iran’s peaceful nuclear program is irreversible. The infrastructure and equipment have been damaged, but this program relies on our indigenous knowledge which is dispersed throughout our country."
The Deputy to Araghchi further asserted: "Iran is not an easy target, as it demonstrated in 12 days of national and patriotic defense against the aggressors. Iran is the oldest continuously living civilization on earth. This nation is a master of survival and overcoming difficulties. The only language we respond to is the language of respect and dialogue from an equal standing."
He also stated: "We pursue only a peaceful nuclear program and, alongside it, legitimate defensive programs to defend our national security."
The full text of the interview is as follows:
- Dialogue and the Path to Negotiation
What is needed for possible, even indirect, talks between the two countries to get back on track?
Khatibzadeh: In reality, although the channels are many, there are few credible messages that we can work on. The problem is that the opposing side is not yet ready for a real, result-oriented negotiation. We cannot enter into talks that are doomed to fail and ultimately become a pretext for another war. Therefore, if the opposing side accepts the logic of negotiation—which means 'give and take'—and sets aside some of its delusions, and stops designing the use of political-diplomatic tools to achieve what it failed to achieve through a military campaign, then we can proceed within the framework of the Supreme Leader's guidelines.
What do you mean by the logic of compromise regarding the nuclear program? What does the Trump administration have to accept for you to even enter into negotiations?
Khatibzadeh: In my opinion, international law has made everything clear in this regard. Iran does not accept being an exception. Iran is a member of the IAEA and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), and is subject to UN supervision and peaceful nuclear obligations. Iran must be respected and be able to exercise its rights without restriction. This is the red line for any compromise. Delusions such as completely halting enrichment in Iran or trying to deprive Iran of its fundamental rights are unacceptable.
Are you rebuilding your nuclear program, and will it be as strong as before?
Khatibzadeh: Iran’s peaceful nuclear program is irreversible. Yes, our infrastructure and equipment have been damaged, but this program relies on our indigenous knowledge which is dispersed throughout our country; a country with 90 million people and 1.6 million square kilometers is not a country that can be bombed with the belief that everything is destroyed. It is the science, knowledge, and skill that we possess, and we will protect it.
- The Risk of War and Defense Capabilities
Many people in this country and the region are worried about another war between Israel and Iran, or even with US involvement. How great do you see that risk now?
Khatibzadeh: Last time, the US was involved. Of course, we received messages from the beginning that the US was not involved and would not get involved later. Evidence later showed that they were involved from the start, and President Trump himself confirmed this. Therefore, the question should be posed to the other side, because we made every effort to prevent escalation and war. Unfortunately, the other side tried to achieve peace through extremism and violence, which is impossible.
Do you think there is a possibility of another war?
Khatibzadeh: We are doing our utmost to prevent it. We are also trying to change the strategic calculus of Tel Aviv and Washington: Iran is not an easy target, as it demonstrated in 12 days of national and patriotic defense against the aggressors. On the third day, President Trump tweeted 'unconditional surrender,' and nine days later, he requested an unconditional ceasefire. Those nine days of national defense demonstrated a lot. We are prepared for any potential adventurism by Washington or Tel Aviv.
Does this mean expanding and strengthening your missile program?
Khatibzadeh: The battle for reconstruction began the moment of the ceasefire. The opposing side is preparing for another war. Therefore, every legitimate defensive means must be strengthened by Iran. No country compromises on its national security, and Iran is no exception.
Because your ballistic missiles inflicted a lot of damage on Israel, correct?
Khatibzadeh: They claimed Iran could not respond. They censored the truth and said our missile penetration rate was 10%, but it was later reported to be 30–40%. But the reality is much higher than that. In fact, with our advanced missiles, we were able to penetrate various defensive layers and strike targets whenever and wherever we chose.
- Regional Status and International Stance
What is your message to the Trump administration about the situation in the Middle East?
Khatibzadeh: Iran is the oldest continuously living civilization on earth. This nation is a master of survival and overcoming difficulties. The only language we respond to is the language of respect and dialogue from an equal standing.
How important are your relations with China and Russia for defense reconstruction and preserving the economy?
Khatibzadeh: Regarding Russia, we have very close and multilayered relations that started years before the Ukraine war. Russia is our neighbor, and we have a strategic partnership with China. It is natural for us to have close cooperation and collaboration at various levels. Both are civilizational countries, and this makes us natural partners. Of course, this is not unique to Iran. Many Persian Gulf countries also have good relations with China, which shows that countries naturally cooperate with each other.
Are there any high-level figures in Iran who think you should review your stance on nuclear weapons?
Khatibzadeh: We are a member of the NPT and the IAEA. We did not withdraw from the NPT even after the violent actions of the Trump administration and the bombing of our peaceful nuclear facilities. Iran is transparent about its peaceful nuclear program, which is supported by the Leader's fatwa and our principles. We pursue only a peaceful nuclear program and, alongside it, legitimate defensive programs to defend our national security.
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