Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani, affirmed that meaningful talks can only progress if the United States and Europe recognize that pressure and threats of war will not intimidate the Iranian nation.
In an interview with the website of Islamic Revolution Supreme Leader Imam Sayyed Ali Khamenei, Larijani emphasized that diplomacy remains a central tool for the Islamic Republic, but only when conducted in good faith.
“My advice has always been that Iran must never abandon diplomacy, because diplomacy itself is a tool,” he stated in the interview aired on Friday. “The Islamic Revolution Leader has also asserted that the flag of negotiation must always be held in our hands. That is absolutely correct.”
Larijani, however, warned that negotiations cannot succeed if the West uses them as cover for hostile actions.
“If the enemy turns the diplomatic scene into a theater, or uses it merely to justify another course of action, then that is not diplomacy,” he said. “But if diplomacy means that we realize war is useless and we want peace, then that is real diplomacy.”
Larijani pointed out that the West has exploited diplomacy as a tactic rather than a genuine avenue for peace.
“I feel that the diplomacy they are pursuing is just for creating excuses,” he said. “We must not say we are cutting off diplomacy… [but] real negotiations bear fruit only when the other side understands that war is useless.”
Larijani was clear about Iran’s red lines. “If you are seeking war, then go ahead. Whenever you regret it, come for negotiations,” he said.
“But if you truly understand that this resilient nation cannot be forced into submission, then there is a basis for real talks.”
He said that Western rhetoric about pressuring Iran into surrender has already proven hollow. “In this war, they themselves realized that Iranians are not the kind to surrender,” he added.
Dr. Larijani, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council:
The International Energy Agency has never been in such a disgraceful situation as it is today. pic.twitter.com/TvE3nkLZ1c
— Khamenei Media (@Khamenei_m) August 23, 2025
NPT Pull Out?
Asked about Iran possibly leaving the NPT in case of increased pressure on the country, Larijani did not rule out the option. “This possibility has always existed,” he said.
“I’m not saying anyone will do it now, because this too must be approached with prudence… We are not pursuing a [nuclear] bomb, but the reality is that the NPT has brought us no benefit.”
He argued that what matters in the international arena is strength, not empty agreements.
“Whenever you act with power, you advance. But if you think problems are solved through mere diplomatic embrace, no, such a thing does not exist. If you have power, you will move forward; so Iran should seek power,” he said.
Snapback Serves US Agenda
He also criticized European efforts to revive the so-called “snapback” mechanism, describing it as a threat that undermines constructive engagement.
He said the European nations are effectively serving Washington’s agenda. “Their behavior is clear; they are carrying out part of America’s operation.”
Snapback mechanism would reinstate six UN Security Council resolutions against Iran, bringing back the expired arms embargo, asset freezes, and travel bans. Iran insists the European states have no legal or moral authority to invoke such measures, arguing that they failed to honor their commitments under the 2015 nuclear deal in the first place.
Larijani dismissed the approach by the European countries as both legally flawed and politically biased. “This mechanism was meant for a party that failed to honor the JCPOA commitments. Who violated the agreement? Our facilities were bombed, yet they want to use snapback against us,” he said. “From the perspective of international law, the situation is tragic.”
“Hezbollah Resolute”
Meanwhile, Larijani described Hezbollah’s leadership and youth as resolute. He said “they come without being called, giving their time and lives to defend Lebanon because they feel oppressed.”
In this context, he stressed that the Islamic Republic only seeks brotherhood and wise cooperation with regional countries, rather than alleged domination.
Dr. Ali Larijani | Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council
“Hezbollah’s leadership and youth are resolute. They come without being called, giving their time and lives to defend Lebanon because they feel oppressed. We never told them to surrender, surrender to whom?… pic.twitter.com/cFSkjFuNUy
— Thomas Keith (@iwasnevrhere_) August 23, 2025
Source: Iranian media (edited by Al-Manar)
