WANA (Jun 13) – Hossein Mousavian, Iran’s former senior negotiator, believes that ever since Iran’s nuclear file was placed on the agenda of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors in 2003, the case has never been legal in nature—it has always been political and security-driven, managed by Western countries and Israel.

 

During an interview, He emphasizes that Iran’s nuclear program has shown no deviation toward nuclear weapons. According to him, all IAEA reports over the past 22 years clearly indicate there is no concrete evidence of any such deviation. Nonetheless, the file has been continuously used as a political tool to exert pressure on Iran.

Hossein Mousavian, Iran’s former senior negotiator. Social media/ WANA News Agency

A Rift Between the U.S. and Europe, and an Opportunity for Leverage

Mousavian answered to a question regarding the possibility of a division of roles among the U.S., Europe, and Israel. In his view, Europeans are frustrated at being sidelined in direct U.S.-Iran negotiations, having been excluded from information-sharing, coordination, or cooperation. This frustration, he explains, has motivated Europe to maintain pressure on Iran to simultaneously gain leverage and prove its relevance to the U.S.

 

Given that the current UN Resolution 2231 is set to expire this fall, Mousavian notes that Europe has only a few months left to capitalize on the situation. Meanwhile, the U.S. is not opposing European moves, as it could use any upcoming resolutions as bargaining chips in its ongoing talks with Iran. Behind all of this, he asserts, stands Israel—”the real orchestrator.”

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors. WANA News Agency

A Powerful Anti-Iran Lobby in Washington

Mousavian highlights the influential role of various lobbying groups in shaping U.S. foreign policy—most notably the Israel lobby, certain Arab lobbies, and hardliners in both the Democratic and Republican parties.

 

He also refers to segments of the Iranian opposition abroad as complicit in fueling hostilities against Iran, accusing them of working as agents of foreign powers and Israeli interests. According to Mousavian, during the first rounds of Iran-U.S. negotiations Trump administration, had progressed close to a deal.

 

However, these lobbies, upon realizing that a deal was imminent—one which would tacitly recognize Iran’s uranium enrichment program, even if under 5%—mounted intense pressure to kill the agreement.

Netanyahu Seeks War at America’s Expense

In assessing Trump’s behavior and his alignment with Israeli threats, Mousavian asserts that Benjamin Netanyahu aims to launch a military operation against Iran, but not with Israel’s own resources. Rather, he wants it executed and paid for by the United States.

 

“Trump, by nature, does not want a new war, but Israel is using every means to drag the U.S. into one.” Mousavian cites even prominent American media outlets such as The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and The New York Times, have frequently reported the issue that Israel is attempting to push the U.S. into conflict with Iran.

 

“Many American academics and analysts also argue that the U.S. should not sacrifice its own interests for the sake of Israel,” he said.

Israel’s Threats Are Empty Without U.S. Backing

When asked whether Israel could launch a military strike on Iran without U.S. assistance, Mousavian responds with certainty: it cannot. He insists that Israel simply lacks the capability to do so on its own.

 

Its threats, he says, are merely bluffs designed to disrupt Iran’s internal atmosphere, damage its economy, and increase international pressure.

 

He reiterates that any real military action would be impossible without direct U.S. involvement, and that, at present, the Trump administration has no intention of engaging in such a war.