WANA (Jul 08) – Saeed Khatibzadeh, Head of the Center for Political and International Studies at Iran’s Foreign Ministry, emphasized: “We are receiving messages for negotiations, but the other side must ensure Iran and the international community that they do not seek to misuse talks.”

 

Speaking on Tuesday at a webinar titled “Israeli Regime’s Aggression Against Iran: The Next Outlook,” Khatibzadeh responded to questions regarding Iran’s reaction to recent attacks. “Israeli officials have been claiming for decades that Iran seeks nuclear weapons. But Iran is a nation with thousands of years of history. We are chess players; we know how to advance our strategic plans,” he stated.

 

Iran Recovered Within 24 Hours

Khatibzadeh underscored that those who portray Iran as weak are merely trying to sell this perception to US President Donald Trump. “If Iran ever feels a security threat, its reaction will certainly be different and unpredictable.”

 

Referring to attacks on Iranian facilities in the Persian Gulf, he said Iran responded by targeting Haifa, adding: “They know well why Iran chose to target the US base in Qatar. It was a strong message. Some thought we would retaliate via Iraq, but we responded from Qatar. We had informed the relevant parties in advance. Mature actors understand that if Iran ever decides to use its full capabilities, the result will be entirely different.”

 

He criticized the targeting of Iranian commanders while they were at home and not engaged in military operations, contrasting it with the Israeli strikes on Gaza that have targeted 60,000 Palestinians. Khatibzadeh reiterated Iran’s self-awareness of both its strengths and weaknesses, stating, “We recovered within 24 hours and gave a proportionate response.”

 

Iran Has Not Attacked Any Country in 200 Years

The former Foreign Ministry spokesperson said: “We know well how to end aggression. They must choose between behaving with respect or facing confrontation. What the US did was unforgivable, unforgettable, and a blatant violation of Iran’s rights. This was the first time the US attacked Iran due to a strategic miscalculation, but everyone should know this chain does not end with Iran.”

 

Khatibzadeh described Iranians as “masters of survival,” adding: “Trump declared he wanted Iran’s unconditional surrender. Yet when they themselves asked for a ceasefire, it showed they understood Iran is not a submissive country. This nation’s endurance is its miracle; it can teach the world lessons.

 

Iran’s Nuclear Program Peaceful and Transparent

He stressed that Iran’s 60% uranium enrichment was carried out transparently with full IAEA knowledge. “They were only looking for a pretext to attack. The US violated international law, whereas Iran’s nuclear program is purely peaceful. Despite their attempts to derail diplomacy, Iran remains at the negotiation table.”

 

He added that recent discussions with the US have produced good ideas to address concerns, noting that Steve Witkoff is well aware of these points. “Iran has always acted transparently and reported all activities to the Agency. It has never sought nuclear weapons.”

 

A Critical Moment for Europe

Criticizing Europe’s inaction, he said: “Europe today has no cultural or moral standing to play a strategic role. During the Gaza war, some European countries condemned the attacks, but no one took them seriously. In these 12 days of aggression against Iran, Europe could not even issue a statement of condemnation at international organizations. This shows the collapse of the palace of human rights, ethics, and international norms.”

 

Khatibzadeh asserted that Europe is now “completely exposed,” adding: “If Europe wants strategic relevance, it must show cultural and moral competence. So far, it has only tried to advance its political agendas.”

 

Europe’s Last Strategic Card

He warned Europe holds its last strategic card with Iran: “They must decide whether to use it responsibly or lose relevance forever. Recently, the EU High Representative tweeted that Iran should negotiate an ‘end to its nuclear program,’ while the JCPOA already recognizes Iran’s nuclear rights. Perhaps these statements are due to their naivety or have hidden meanings.”

 

US Uses Regional Soil to Attack Iran

Khatibzadeh noted that despite good relations with regional countries like Qatar, the US uses bases in these nations against Iran’s interests, citing General Soleimani’s assassination as a clear example. “Iran does not carry out military operations in third countries, but the US does.”

 

This War is a Wake-Up Call for the Region

He called for a joint regional security mechanism, warning that Israel seeks regional hegemony and will not stop targeting capable states. “When it was announced that the region’s map will change, it actually meant realizing Palestine’s cause. Israel has no limits; it has killed 60,000 people, attacked nuclear facilities, and assassinated innocent scientists. This war is a wake-up call for the entire region.”

 

Iran Ready to Confront Aggressors

Stressing that Iran has long been in this battle and operates based on wartime assessments, he said: “Had our response been more extensive, it could have engulfed the entire region in war. Nonetheless, Iran is ready to confront aggressors. The assassination of our military commanders was harmful, but Iran responds to aggression based on daily military calculations.”

 

He concluded by emphasizing diplomacy remains open: “We are receiving messages for negotiations, but the other side must ensure Iran and the international community that they do not seek to misuse talks. Negotiations must be based on equality and shared interests; otherwise, they are meaningless. Iran has repeatedly declared its commitment to diplomacy.”