WANA (Sep 26) – Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, warned in an interview with the American network PBS that if the snapback mechanism is activated and UN sanctions are reinstated, Tehran will completely halt its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

 

Larijani stressed: “If the snapback mechanism is triggered, we will end our cooperation with the IAEA.” He added that the Islamic Republic of Iran has always sought to resolve the nuclear crisis through diplomatic and peaceful means, but the reinstatement of UN Security Council resolutions would constitute a clear violation of the international commitments of the other parties.

 

Iran will never surrender

The Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council also warned the U.S. government that any military action against Iran would be met with a decisive response, saying: “Iran will never surrender.”

 

Iran’s nuclear program cannot be destroyed

In another part of the interview, referring to Iran’s indigenous nuclear knowledge, Larijani noted: “Iran’s nuclear program can never be destroyed. Once knowledge is gained, it cannot be taken away; even if facilities are destroyed, the capability to rebuild remains.”

A billboard with a picture of nuclear scientists killed in Israeli strikes and Iranian centrifuges is displayed on a street in Tehran, Iran August 29, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

U.S. and Israel turned negotiations into a farce

He also blamed recent U.S. and Israeli attacks against Iran for turning the negotiation process into what he described as “a ridiculous show.” According to Larijani, Iran has never had—and does not have—any plans to build nuclear weapons, but hostile Western actions have undermined trust in the talks.

 

Iran demands justice and mutual respect

In response to a question about his message to the American people, Larijani stated: “Iranians deserve the same human rights that the American people claim for themselves. Washington’s unilateral and unjust behavior only pushes the world toward chaos, and ultimately it will backfire on them as well.”

 

The interview, conducted on September 21 as part of the Frontline documentary program, was one element of a visit by a U.S. media delegation to Tehran to report on developments in Iran.