Dr. Seyed Kamal Kharrazi, referring to the region’s turbulent history, emphasized, “Controlling the Middle East has always been one of the objectives of colonial powers, and the establishment of the Israeli regime was aimed at destabilizing the region.”
Criticizing the policies of the United States and the Zionist regime, he added, “The United States and Europe do not intend to leave this region alone. They exploit divisions, instability, and wars to facilitate their interference.”
In another part of the interview, Dr. Kharrazi stated, “Predicting the future is difficult, but the people’s resistance against foreign powers, particularly the heroic struggle of the Palestinian people, will continue.” He called on regional countries to strengthen their independence and resist external pressures.
Regarding Iran-Egypt relations, Dr. Kharrazi said, “Iran and Egypt are two great nations with rich civilizations, significant cultural influence, and resilient Muslim populations. Establishing political relations between them depends on the political will of their leaders, setting aside past and present disagreements.”
In response to a question about the role of resistance in the region, the President of the Strategic Council on Foreign Relations stated, “Resistance is not just a military force but an ideology and a school of thought. No matter how much damage it sustains, it cannot be eradicated.”
At the end of the interview, regarding Iran’s nuclear program, Dr. Kharrazi said, “Economic sanctions have had no effect on Iran’s nuclear program. As you can see, Iran continues to make significant advancements in peaceful nuclear technology.” He also expressed Iran’s readiness to share its scientific and technical capabilities in this field with interested regional countries through cooperation.
The full text of the interview comes as follows:
- The term “Middle East” is a colonial geographical expression that emerged at the beginning of the last century. However, it has become the dominant term for discussing the region, which includes Arab countries, Iran, Turkey, and others. Throughout history, this region has suffered from conflicts rooted in colonial plans, turning it into a hotspot on the global map. From your perspective, how do you view the reality of the region based on these terms? And what do external powers want from it?
Answer:
The West Asia region, or what is called the Middle East, has always been a target for colonial powers due to its abundant energy resources and its historical civilization. Controlling this region has been one of their primary objectives. The division of the Middle East based on the Sykes-Picot Agreement into small countries and continued interference in regional affairs have always been among their strategies. The establishment of the Israeli regime by global powers also had a dual purpose: to rid Europe of its problematic Jewish population by relocating them to the fertile land of Palestine and to create a cancerous tumor in the region to destabilize it and justify their interventions.
- The term “Middle East” was first used in the writings of American Alfred Mahan in 1902, and later, Condoleezza Rice spoke of the “New Middle East.” This concept is now strongly echoed in light of Israel’s war on Gaza and Lebanon and its conflict with Iran. The West, particularly the United States, seeks to dominate the region as a whole. How do you perceive this, especially after Trump’s election victory and the rise of the far-right in the U.S.?
Answer:
The United States and Europe do not intend to leave this region alone. They exploit divisions, instability, and wars to facilitate their interference. America’s attempt to dominate the region, either through its proxy, the fake Israeli regime, or directly, is undeniable. A recent example is Trump’s insatiable desire to seize the fertile Gaza Strip along the Mediterranean, as expressed in his recent remarks.
- What role do major regional powers, particularly Egypt and Saudi Arabia, play in countering these plans?
Answer:
Colonial powers strive to keep the countries of the region dependent on them. This dependency can be economic, political, and security-related to the extent that their survival becomes tied to the policies imposed by those powers. At the same time, public opinion in the Islamic world expects countries like Egypt and Saudi Arabia to play an effective and constructive role in safeguarding the interests of the region’s nations by resisting external pressures and interventions.
- If you were to outline a future scenario for this region, given the ongoing conflicts and surrounding threats, how do you see it? What advice would you offer to the region’s leaders and policymakers to preserve their countries’ independence?
Answer:
Predicting the future is difficult, but foreign interventions will undoubtedly continue, and in response, the people’s resistance—particularly the heroic struggle of the Palestinian people against the occupying regime—will persist. Resisting foreign powers requires maintaining and strengthening national independence, which, in turn, demands courage and determination of the leaders of the major regional countries like Egypt and Saudi Arabia to say no to big powers and reject their interventionist demands.
- There is no unified Arab strategy against expansionist Israeli plans, which are evident in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria, with discussions of annexing more Arab lands. Trump himself referred to a “small Israel that must expand.” How should the Arabs formulate a strategy to counter these plans? What is your political and economic advice? Egypt has historically played a major role in the region—how can it maintain this role despite the challenges? Do you believe Israel poses a threat to Egypt?
Answer:
Unfortunately, as you mentioned, there is no unified Arab plan to counter their expansionist agenda, as some countries in the region have normalized relations with the occupying regime, thereby limiting the scope of their actions. Undoubtedly, the Israeli regime, with the support of the United States, has plans to annex more Arab territories, while the Arab League remains passive. However, Egypt, as an important and influential country in the region, can play a historic and lasting role in mobilizing the Arab League to move beyond its passivity in the face of the Zionist regime’s expansionism and warmongering.
- How can the Arab world and the Middle East, including Iran, benefit from the global shift toward multipolarity and competition among great powers? How can the region play a role that serves its interests rather than being controlled by a single force that has exploited it for decades?
Answer:
Given its economic and geopolitical significance, the Middle East is of great interest to the U.S. The region must assert itself as a powerful entity in the emerging multipolar world and secure its fair share. This requires creating a cooperative mechanism among both Arab and non-Arab regional countries, including Iran, for comprehensive security, political, and economic collaboration—despite differences in governance systems—so that the region can collectively play a significant role in the future multipolar world.
- Trump’s presidency marked a harsh alliance between big capital and populist right-wing politics. What do you anticipate for U.S. policies toward the Middle East and Iran under this shift?
Answer:
Trump is a greedy real estate mogul who openly expresses his territorial ambitions, such as his desire to buy Greenland, control the Panama Canal, rename the Gulf of Mexico, and, most recently, annex the Gaza Strip. Compromising with his excessive demands will only invite more. The only way to counter his greed is through regional coordination and a united stance that makes him reconsider his actions.
- What is the latest development in Iranian-Egyptian relations? How can Egypt and Iran contribute to a more stable Middle East contrary to the interests of the U.S. and Israel? Some believe Iran has lost its regional influence, while others argue that it has gained strategic advantages. What is your take?
Answer:
Iran and Egypt are two great nations with rich civilizations, significant cultural influence, and resilient Muslim populations. Establishing political relations between them depends on the political will of their leaders, setting aside past and present disagreements. Iran is ready for this, and negotiates between the two countries are ongoing. The notion that Iran has lost its influence is incorrect. The Islamic Republic of Iran, as an independent regional power, has successfully challenged major global powers and defended itself, proving its strength and influence.
- Former Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif proposed an initiative for regional cooperation. What is your opinion on this initiative? What opportunities and challenges does it face?
Answer:
Dr. Zarif’s proposal was not about a confederal union among regional countries, rather a friendship and cooperation initiative. Despite their different governance systems, I have also emphasized the importance and necessity of a mechanism to coordinate security, political, and economic collaboration among regional states.
- Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince recently emphasized “respecting Iran’s sovereignty and refraining from attacking its territory” at the Arab-Islamic summit in Riyadh. Furthermore, Saudi Arabia conducted naval exercises in the Arabian Sea, with Iran participating. Recently, the Saudi Chief of Staff made a rare visit to Tehran to discuss defense cooperation. Given these developments, are we witnessing a new phase in Iran-Arab relations in response to U.S.-backed Israeli plans? What are the challenges to this rapprochement, and how do you address controversial issues such as Yemen and Syria?
Answer:
The re-establishment of political relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia, mediated by China, was a wise decision benefiting both nations and the entire region. However, political relations should lead to comprehensive cooperation, particularly in economic, security, and military fields. Iran and Saudi Arabia are the two leading regional powers, and their collaboration can have significant regional and international impacts. While disagreements may exist between nations, as they do among siblings, the focus should be on shared higher interests rather than differences.
- Do you believe that Israel’s expansionist ambitions will stop at the Palestinian borders or a strip along southern Lebanon? Or will the Israeli far-right’s ambitions extend to Egypt, Jordan, and other Arab countries? Besides their desire for territorial expansion, what are the risks of their efforts to dominate the Middle East economically and technologically?
Answer:
The Zionist regime’s policy of expanding occupied territories “from the Nile to the Euphrates” is a definitive strategy. Actions taken by Israel and the U.S., such as seizing the Gaza Strip and displacing Palestinians to Egypt and Jordan, are preliminary steps toward implementing this plan. Economically and technologically, Israel relies on Western support and tries to assert its technological superiority over regional countries to encourage them to normalize their relations. Unfortunately, some of these countries hesitate to seek advanced technologies from Iran despite the remarkable achievements of Iranian scientists.
- Egypt has experienced Israel’s expansionist ambitions firsthand, having suffered aggression in the past, including the occupation of the Sinai Peninsula and the establishment of settlements on its land. Do you believe that the Arabs are committed to peace with an entity that does not recognize peace, violates agreements, and respects no treaties?
Answer:
Yes, exactly. The Israeli regime never adheres to its commitments. Whenever it sees suitable, it disregards agreements and pursues its expansionist goals. A prime example is the Oslo Accords, which have now been rendered meaningless. Egypt has every reason to be concerned about Israel violating the peace treaty and once again pursuing its “Nile to Euphrates” expansionist policy.
- We never heard terms like “Sunni and Shia” or “Iran as a threat to Arabs” until after the U.S. invasion of Iraq. Arab nations generally do not believe in such sectarian rhetoric. Do you think these narratives are a U.S.-Israeli creation to keep the Middle East engaged in secondary conflicts while they secure their own interests?
Answer:
The U.S. and the Israeli regime have actively promoted Iranophobia. The concept of the “Shia Crescent,” which emerged after the U.S. invasion of Iraq, was fueled by their propaganda and, unfortunately, echoed by some Arab leaders. This psychological warfare was designed to encourage regional countries to normalize their relations with Israel. However, Iran’s unwavering support for Palestinian resistance groups—who are Sunni—has completely invalidated the Shia Crescent theory.
- What would happen to the Arab region if Israel succeeded in eliminating Hamas and Hezbollah? Can Israel truly eradicate the resistance, or will this ideology continue until the occupation ends?
Answer:
Resistance is not just a military force but an ideology and a school of thought. No matter how much damage it sustains, it cannot be eradicated. Therefore, groups like Hamas, Islamic Jihad, Hezbollah, and Ansarullah cannot be eliminated. Israel has failed in its mission to eliminate Hamas. While the recent war has led to the loss of many leaders, new figures will rise to take their place, and the struggle will persist.
- How does Iran respond to international accusations that it poses a threat to regional stability? Why aren’t similar accusations directed at Israel, which engages in genocide and disrupts regional security?
Answer:
Iran has not invaded any country in the past few centuries, but it has always defended itself with determination. Iran’s military capabilities are for self-defense and assisting those who seek its help. Naturally, this does not sit well with the powers that seek to exploit the region, so they spread such accusations. How can anyone claim that Israel—the perpetrator of countless atrocities—is not a destabilizing force? At the same time, Iran, which supports just struggles against oppression and occupation, is portrayed as a threat?
- Some believe that after suffering recent Israeli attacks and losing key leaders, Iran will reduce its support for Hezbollah and Hamas. What is your response? Will Iran continue supporting them?
Answer:
Iran considers its duty to support resistance movements fighting to liberate their occupied lands. This support will continue. Though the martyrdom of their leaders is a great loss, it will not deter Iran. These movements have demonstrated resilience and the ability to regenerate their leadership, ensuring that the resistance remains strong.
- What is the fate of Hamas leadership following reports that Qatar has asked them to leave Doha? Which capitals are likely to host them? Would Iran welcome them?
Answer:
The U.S. and Israel have indeed pressured Qatar to expel Hamas’s political leaders, and there have been rumors regarding this, though nothing is certain yet. What truly matters is that Hamas’s struggle continues inside the occupied territories, led by commanders on the battlefield. The political leaders residing in Doha play a supporting role in guiding the resistance.
- How do you view the legendary martyrdom of Yahya Sinwar? What message do you have for Hamas and Hezbollah after the potential loss of Hassan Nasrallah and Sinwar?
Answer:
Both Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and Yahya Al-Sinwar had never feared martyrdom; they have always been prepared for it. Anyone who walks the path of resistance must be ready for such sacrifices. Their courage and steadfastness have earned them a place in the hearts of their supporters and freedom-seekers worldwide. The widely circulated footage of Yahya Al-Sinwar’s last stand proved that he was not hiding in tunnels or command rooms, but was personally engaged in the battle, the broadcast of the footage has become a shame for Israeli regime.
- Former Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that he supports the one-state solution for Palestine. Still, this solution would not be in Israel’s favor, and thus, Israel will obstruct it. Do you believe that Israel is even interested in peace, ending occupation, and abandoning apartheid policies? Or will it continue expanding into Palestinian and Arab lands, imposing a fait accompli?
Answer:
Yes, we firmly believe in the one-state solution. Naturally, the Israeli regime opposes it because it would mean the end of the apartheid system and the establishment of a state based on the collective will of the land’s original inhabitants—Muslims, Christians, and Jews alike. Israel’s rejection of this idea should not deter us from pursuing it. Fortunately, after Israel’s horrific crimes against Palestinians—acts that go beyond mere apartheid—the one-state solution is gaining more support globally.
- —Do we need a global system in which the U.S. does not dominate the world r to achieve stability and peace in our region?
Answer:
Undoubtedly, the current international system, dominated by the U.S., cannot bring global security and stability. The U.S. has shown that whenever the international system does not serve its interests, it takes action against it. Examples include Washington’s withdrawal from UNESCO, the World Health Organization, the Paris Agreement on climate change, and its opposition to the International Criminal Court when it issued arrest warrants against Israeli leaders.
- What is Iran’s vision for the role of the United Nations in ending the occupation and supporting Palestinian rights?
Answer:
The United Nations has become an ineffective institution in defending the rights of its member states. Firstly, its security decisions are dictated by the interests of major powers. Secondly, the Secretary-General has no real power to enforce General Assembly resolutions, particularly when they contradict U.S. interests. In the recent confrontation between the UN Secretary-General and Israel over the Gaza war, we saw how an illegitimate regime backed by the U.S. dared to insult and threaten the head of the UN. It is said that Albert Einstein once suggested that the UN headquarters should bear an inscription reading: “We support the powerful and force the weak to comply with their will.”
- Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu played a key role in disrupting Iran’s nuclear program and influenced former U.S. President Donald Trump’s withdrawal from the nuclear agreement in 2018. Do you anticipate further disruption to your program if Trump returns?
Answer:
Netanyahu will undoubtedly continue his efforts to sabotage Iran’s nuclear program, and Trump remains a staunch opponent of it. However, no external pressure can halt Iran’s peaceful nuclear activities. We owe our nuclear advancements to our own scientists, not any foreign country. Many of these scientists were assassinated by the criminal Israeli regime. Nuclear knowledge in Iran is now deeply rooted, and knowledge cannot be erased through coercion.
- Some believe that the U.S. and Israel aim to overthrow Iran’s current government and replace the Islamic Republic with a regime that aligns with American interests. What is your response?
Answer:
If they had the ability to overthrow the Islamic Republic, they would have done so already. They have tried everything—failed coups in the early years of the revolution, the harshest economic sanctions, America’s “maximum pressure” campaign, and their support for internal unrest—all of which have failed. The reason is that the majority of Iranians support their revolution, and their spirit of independence and resistance against foreign domination runs deep. Every year, millions participate in the anniversary celebrations of the Islamic Revolution, demonstrating their steadfastness.
- Do you believe that the U.S. and Israel see Iran as a thorn in their side and an obstacle to their ambitions in the Middle East?
Answer:
Yes, the Islamic Revolution is a major obstacle to their hegemonic plans. If it weren’t for Iran, they would have already taken full control of the region. However, the people of the region are now awakened and aware of their rights. Despite all the resources and capabilities at their disposal, they have been unable to suppress the regional resistance movements.
- What impact have economic sanctions had on Iran’s nuclear program? Iran insists that its nuclear activities are for peaceful purposes—why not engage in nuclear cooperation with Arab states to achieve long-term mutual benefits?
Answer:
Economic sanctions have had no effect on Iran’s nuclear program. As you can see, Iran continues to make significant advancements in peaceful nuclear technology. We use nuclear energy not only for power generation but also in medicine, agriculture, and various other fields. Iran is one of the leading countries in these areas. We are open to sharing our scientific and technological expertise with regional countries that are interested in collaboration.
- Israeli intelligence activities in Tehran are highly dangerous. Why are they intensifying their espionage efforts in your country? Additionally, do you believe Israel has intelligence operations in the Arab world that have not yet been exposed?
Answer:
The Israeli regime, with the support of European intelligence agencies and the terrorist MEK (which is backed by the U.S. and Europe), has managed to gather intelligence and commit crimes such as assassinating Iranian nuclear scientists. However, Iran is not weak in intelligence operations against Israel either. Recently, Israel admitted that it had arrested individuals allegedly collaborating with Iranian intelligence.
- In 2018, two weeks before Trump withdrew from the nuclear deal, Netanyahu held a press conference revealing documents from Iran’s “nuclear archive,” claiming that Mossad had seized these records in Tehran in January 2018. He accused Iran of hiding military-related nuclear activities despite Tehran’s claim that it abandoned such ambitions in 2003. Why this intense obsession with Iran’s nuclear projects? Why is Israel so afraid of Iran possessing nuclear weapons? And why does the U.S. allow Israel to have nuclear weapons while denying the same right to Iran?
Answer:
Iran’s nuclear program is purely for peaceful purposes. However, they use this issue as leverage to pressure Iran, claiming that given Iran’s advanced nuclear capabilities, it might one day pursue nuclear weapons. In reality, Iran has the capability to develop nuclear weapons, but it has refrained from doing so due to a religious decree (fatwa) issued by the Supreme Leader banning nuclear arms. As I have previously stated, however, if Iran ever faces an existential threat, it may have no choice but to reconsider its nuclear doctrine to defend itself. Your question is valid—why does the U.S. support Israel’s nuclear arsenal while opposing Iran’s purely peaceful nuclear program? The truth is that mastering nuclear technology itself serves as a deterrent.
- Since the genocide in Gaza, Israel has continued its efforts to drag Iran into a full-scale war. Why is Netanyahu so eager for a military confrontation with you? What does he want from Iran?
Answer:
The Israeli regime has always sought to provoke the U.S. into a war with Iran, but Washington has been reluctant due to its other priorities and past failures in Afghanistan and Iraq. Iran, too, does not seek to escalate the conflict in the region. However, if a regional war is imposed on Iran, American bases in the Middle East and any countries that collaborate with the U.S. against Iran will not be spared from severe retaliatory strikes. Iran understands that such a war would ultimately serve Israeli interests and would be detrimental to the region, which is why we seek to avoid it.
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