Tehran - BORNA - Admiral Ali Shamkhani, a member of Iran’s Supreme Defense Council and advisor to Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, made the remarks in an extensive interview with the Lebanon‑based Al‑Mayadeen news channel.

“If negotiations begin under the conditions I mentioned, avoiding threats and refraining from illogical orders, then of course there is the possibility for direct and indirect meetings with the American side,” he said.

Shamkhani added that any direct talks would be preceded by indirect negotiations.

“If there is an understanding, and if it forms quickly, the situation can shift to direct negotiations, but only on the nuclear issue. One of the conditions is that the talks remain limited to the nuclear file.”

His comments follow reports that USPresident Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi are expected to meet on Friday in Istanbul.

The potential diplomatic opening comes amid heightened tensions in West Asia following the recent deployment of US naval forces to the region.

No transfer of uranium stockpiles

Shamkhani, appearing in military uniform as a signal of readiness, dismissed speculation that Iran might move its enriched uranium out of the country.

He emphasized that Iran’s nuclear program is “peaceful and locally managed,” while offering a conditional gesture.

“Our 60% enrichment can be reduced to 20% if there are genuine concerns, but they must offer something in return.”

He said the 60% enrichment level serves a dual purpose: countering “enemy conspiracies” and providing leverage in negotiations.

Addressing the issue of nuclear weapons, Shamkhani cited the religious decree issued by Ayatollah Khamenei.

“The West perhaps does not understand, or chooses not to, that possessing weapons of mass destruction is forbidden by religious decree,” he said, adding that this principle “is non‑negotiable and stems from the vision of a religious authority.”

Shamkhani also noted that the exact quantity of Iran’s current stockpile remains unclear, as part of it lies beneath rubble from the June US-Israeli strikes.

It is currently too dangerous to extract, he said, adding that the IAEA is working with Iran to safely estimate the remaining amounts.

Trump pursuing alternative plans

Asked about the recent terrorist riots in Iran, Shamkhani described them as part of a long‑term U.S. strategy he called “Plan B.”

He said that after failing to achieve his objectives during his first term, President Trump is now implementing alternative measures.

According to Shamkhani, this included “equipping, educating, and supporting” those who took up arms against security centers in an effort to weaken Iran’s position after the June war.

In early January, Trump threatened Iran with attacks if the country harmed what he called “peaceful protesters.”

Only days later, on January 8 and 9, armed groups launched coordinated attacks on police stations, military bases, and other sensitive sites, as well as civilian infrastructure, in several cities.

Iranian officials say the attacks were designed to create mass casualties and destabilize urban centers across the country.

Officials have repeatedly criticized Western media outlets for circulating large‑scale false casualty figures and blaming the Iranian government.

Some Western reports have claimed up to 30,000 deaths following what they describe as “peaceful protests.”

However, official Iranian records show 3,117 people were killed in the riots, including 2,427 civilians and security personnel whom Tehran says were killed by terrorists.

Regional deterrence and red lines

Shamkhani warned that any US aggression would not remain confined to Iran’s borders, citing the proximity of American military assets to Iran’s neighbors and a shift in Iranian doctrine away from “strategic patience.”

“Patience is no longer the case,” he said.

He warned that any US strike would trigger an immediate response against Israel.

“Israel and the United States are one and the same. There is no room for compartmentalization. If the US strikes, Israel will be responded to accordingly.”

Responding to Israeli threats targeting Ayatollah Khamenei, Shamkhani described the Leader as the “essential pillar” of the state.

He warned that any attack on the Leader, “no matter how small,” would unleash a “colossal crisis” beyond what Iran’s adversaries can imagine.

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