A top Iranian security official has firmly stated that the country’s missile program is none of the West’s concern, asserting that such criticisms expose the hegemonic policies of the United States and certain European nations.
Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, made the remarks during the conference “We and the West in the Thoughts of the Supreme Leader.” He argued that the West’s approach historically seeks peace through power, a policy that has resulted in global wars and ongoing instability.
Larijani framed the relationship through five historical eras. He described ancient Iran as an independent power that influenced Greek thought, and the Safavid era as a time when Iran balanced Western power through its own scientific and intellectual strength. He noted that this independence was lost in the Qajar and Pahlavi dynasties, when Iran fell under the political, economic, and cultural control of Western powers like the US and Britain, citing the 1953 coup as a prime example.
According to Larijani, the Islamic Revolution, led by Imam Khomeini and Imam Sayyed Ali Khamenei, restored Iran’s dignity. He clarified that while Iran is open to economic cooperation with the West, it will never accept Western interference in its defense programs, such as its missile and nuclear capabilities, or in its cultural affairs.
“Now they argue about missiles and their range, Iran’s regional role, but why should that concern them? This approach shows that America and the West are seeking hegemony,” Larijani stated. He emphasized that the nuclear issue was merely a pretext, revealing the true nature of the enmity.
He contrasted the Western pursuit of dominance with Iran’s approach of seeking balanced relations, stating, “Iran is neither a dominator nor a country that yields to empty threats.”
Larijani also addressed the recent conflict, praising the strength of the people and armed forces against “the brutal aggression of the Israeli regime.” He highlighted that global resentment toward the U.S. has increased dramatically and that national cohesion is the key to victory.
Referring to US calls for negotiation, he questioned their sincerity, pointing to past betrayals. He revealed that the first three days of the conflict were critical, but the strategic guidance of the Supreme Leader, who maintained direct contact with field commanders, changed the course of events.
The context for these remarks stems from the war launched by Israel on June 13, which saw the assassination of military commanders, scientists, and civilians. The US later escalated the conflict by bombing three Iranian nuclear sites. Iran’s successful retaliatory operations ultimately forced a halt to the assault.
In a stark admission, USPresident Donald Trump appeared to take full responsibility for the initial attack, contradicting earlier US claims. “Israel attacked first. That attack was very, very powerful. I was very much in charge of that,” he said. This statement came from a president who had long campaigned as a candidate of “peace” opposed to starting new wars.
Source: Iranian media (edited by Al-Manar English Website)
