WANA (May 03) – An advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader stated that negotiations depend on timing and conditions. “Why have we faced such a challenge regarding the nuclear issue?” he asked. “In truth, this is not a legal matter. If the IAEA had given a clear opinion, there would be no reason for further negotiations. The nature of this issue is political.”

 

Ali Larijani, commenting on Iran-U.S. talks, said: “You should ask the Foreign Minister about that. I can only offer my view: the question of whether to negotiate or not is based on national interests. Negotiation is neither inherently good nor bad. If you believe the country’s interests can be secured through talks, then fine — but if those talks fail to produce results, there is no point in continuing. So, none of these are tools for negotiation in themselves.”

 

He added: “Suppose you say you want to rescue the nuclear issue from its current state, and we’re under sanctions. Do you think negotiations will help? That depends on time and circumstances. Again, this issue is not legal. If the agency had ruled definitively, there would be no need to negotiate. The essence of this matter is political.”

 

Larijani then asked: “Why is it this way?” and answered: “Because today’s world is dominated by bullying powers. Iran says it needs nuclear knowledge, accepts international frameworks, and complies with them. But the other side says, ‘That’s not our view,’ and imposes its will. How to respond to such coercion is another discussion. Perhaps you say they’ve now sent a letter expressing readiness to resolve the matter through dialogue. Will negotiations succeed or not? One of the most basic things is not to start by saying we won’t negotiate.”

 

Referring to Western and U.S. sanctions, Larijani said: “Sanctions aren’t just about the nuclear issue. The sanctions the Americans have imposed are broader. They stem from a time when Iran was part of the American orbit, and they didn’t want to lose that influence. The Islamic Revolution happened, and Iran declared its independence — not submitting to either the U.S. or the Soviet Union. That’s why they’ve been creating problems ever since.”

 

He continued: “A few days ago, the U.S. Defense Secretary said about Yemen that they would look into it at the appropriate time — after launching 800 attacks against the Yemenis. These issues aren’t only about Iran; they reflect broader regional dynamics.”

 

Larijani emphasized: “Iranians have a deep-rooted civilization and a great historical legacy. That’s why they don’t give in easily, unlike some nations that have surrendered over time. They won’t yield to just anything. Current negotiations might succeed or fail — it depends on how much fairness and rationality exists in managing global affairs.”

 

The member of Iran’s Expediency Council concluded: “There are many problems. The rules and regulations that appear to be set by international institutions are, in reality, shaped by power. Right now, the Americans believe it’s their time to assert dominance. They treat us this way, just as they treated China, despite having good relations with them. Even Kissinger went there, and they say they reached a long-term agreement with China.”