WANA (Nov 10) – Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said that the ongoing debate over Iran’s missile capabilities is “a pretext for political pressure” rather than a genuine security concern. “What does this issue have to do with the West that it feels entitled to comment on the range of Iran’s missiles?” he asked.

 

Speaking at the international conference “Us and the West” in Tehran, Larijani discussed the historical and intellectual dimensions of Iran’s relationship with the West, describing it as a long and complex interaction marked by both rivalry and cooperation. He noted that throughout history—from the ancient Persian empires to modern times—“the West never achieved lasting dominance over Iran.”

 

Referring to the Safavid era (16th–18th centuries), Larijani highlighted Iran’s scientific and economic engagement with European powers as an example of “constructive interaction built on independence.” He said the strength of Iran’s historical empires rested on “three pillars: knowledge, faith, and military capability.”

Iran's Ballistic Missile “Qasem Basir

Iran’s Ballistic Missile “Qasem Basir. Social media/ WANA News Agency

Larijani went on to describe the Qajar and Pahlavi dynasties as periods of “deep Western influence and dependency,” citing the 1953 coup d’état as clear evidence of foreign interference. According to him, “the West has never sought equal partnership with Iran—it has always pursued dominance.”

 

He characterized the 1979 revolution as a turning point, saying that since then, Iran has sought to define its relations with the world “based on national interests and political, cultural, and economic independence.” While acknowledging that scientific and cultural exchange with the West has continued, Larijani emphasized that such engagement must “remain consistent with national sovereignty.”

 

Commenting on Western criticism of Iran’s missile and nuclear programs, Larijani said these issues are being used to “control and constrain Iran.” He added, “No country has the right to interfere in the independent defensive capabilities of another nation.”

Centrifuge and missile models are displayed during the 46th anniversary of the U.S. expulsion from Iran, in Tehran, Iran, November 4, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

He outlined two prevailing global mindsets: one based on domination and power, which he attributed to the West, and another based on balance and mutual respect, which he said defines Iran’s approach. “Iran is neither expansionist nor willing to submit to any external domination,” he stated.

 

The senior Iranian official also underscored the importance of preserving Iran’s cultural and intellectual heritage as the foundation of its identity and independence. Criticizing the West’s cultural policies, he argued that “the West uses its technological dominance to influence and reshape other nations’ identities,” while Iran continues to uphold its authentic cultural values.

 

Concluding his remarks, Larijani said that despite political and security pressures, “the Iranian people neither seek dominance over others nor consider their independence negotiable. The experience of the past four decades shows that Iran will not abandon its path of dignity and self-reliance, even under the toughest conditions.”