Shamkhani: Uranium Will Not Leave Iran; If the U.S. Attacks, Israel Will Be Targeted
WANA (Feb 03) – Rear Admiral Ali Shamkhani, Advisor to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, said in a new in-depth interview with Lebanon’s Al-Mayadeen network that the transfer of Iran’s enriched uranium abroad is “completely off the table,” warning that any U.S. military attack on Iran would be met with a direct response against Israel.
Appearing in military uniform during the interview, Shamkhani said the choice carried a “practical message,” reflecting Iran’s full readiness for any scenario. He stressed that Tehran lives under the “shadow of war,” but this preparedness does not signal a desire for conflict; rather, it is a response to what he described as unjust threats and pressures imposed by adversaries.
Negotiations Limited to the Nuclear File and Conditional
Shamkhani underlined that negotiations are possible only on the nuclear issue and only with the United States, provided two core conditions are met: the removal of threats and the abandonment of unrealistic demands. He said Europe has proven incapable of playing an effective role in recent years and that the nuclear dispute can be resolved solely between Tehran and Washington.
According to him, if talks begin in a fair, non-coercive environment, reaching an understanding is possible. Indirect negotiations, he added, could quickly turn into direct talks if a climate of mutual understanding emerges.
Iran’s Red Line: No Export of Enriched Uranium
Rejecting reports about the possible transfer of Iran’s enriched uranium to another country, Shamkhani said there is “no justification whatsoever” for such a move. He pointed to the Supreme Leader’s religious decree banning nuclear weapons, reiterating that Iran’s nuclear program is entirely peaceful.
He noted that if concerns persist, Iran could reduce enrichment levels from 60 percent to 20 percent inside the country, but only in exchange for tangible political and economic compensation.
Regional Deterrence and a Clear Warning
Shamkhani warned that any future conflict would not remain confined to Iran’s borders. He said the experience of restraint in past confrontations would not be repeated and that Iran would respond proportionally if threats were launched from bases in the region.
Addressing Israel directly, he stated: “If the United States attacks Iran, our response will certainly target Israel.” From Tehran’s perspective, he added, the U.S. and Israel are not separate entities but part of a single front in regional security calculations.
These remarks come amid renewed regional tensions and growing international attention on the future of Iran’s nuclear file and the broader security landscape in the Middle East.
New Details Emerge on Possible Iran–US Talks and Qatari Foreign Minister’s Visit to Tehran
WANA (Feb 02) – Amid ongoing diplomatic activity in the region, speculation has intensified over the possible resumption of indirect talks between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States in the coming days, as regional actors step up their mediation efforts. According to reports, if the talks go ahead, Iran’s delegation would […]
