Larijani: Iran Relies on a Combination of Negotiation and Deterrence

According to Taghrib News Agency(TNA), Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, told Al Jazeera that Tehran is prepared to enter fair nuclear negotiations that address concerns without harming the country’s national security.
He emphasized that internal vulnerabilities have been resolved and that the resistance axis has overcome the shock of recent assassinations.
Regarding the recent talks in Muscat, Larijani said that Iran did not bring any written response

to U.S. demands and that the discussions were merely an exchange of views—a process that is still ongoing. He added that regional countries support a political solution to Iran’s nuclear file.
Negotiations Must Be Fair and Within the Nuclear Framework
Larijani stressed that Tehran views negotiations positively, provided they are fair, reasonable, and not used as a tool for wasting time or imposing issues beyond the nuclear framework.
He also stated that Iran accepts International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) oversight within the framework of the Nuclear Non‑Proliferation Treaty (NPT), but described the idea of “zero enrichment” as unrealistic. Nuclear knowledge, he said, cannot be erased by political decisions, and Iran has legitimate medical and research needs.
Larijani added that Iran’s missile program was not discussed in recent talks, emphasizing that it is part of the

country’s national security and defensive deterrence and is not open to negotiation.
Addressing Security Breaches and Regional Dynamics
Referring to recent Israeli infiltration, Larijani said the incidents were not the result of “extraordinary penetration,” but rather a decline in caution within certain institutions. He noted that the government has addressed these shortcomings institutionally, disrupted espionage networks, and raised the level of preparedness.
He acknowledged that Hezbollah suffered heavy losses, including around 3,000 fatalities in recent clashes, but stressed that the movement has regained its capabilities and now possesses significant capacity to confront Israel.
“A single strike does not end a war,” he said. “War is inherently an exchange of blows.”
He added that Israel also came under missile attacks and was forced to retreat, noting that endurance is measured not by casualties but by the ability to continue.
Larijani stated that Israel has caused extensive destruction and committed widespread violations in the region, yet has been unable to eliminate Hamas, which continues to administer Gaza despite more than two years of heavy bombardment.
Low Likelihood of a Regional
Larijani assessed the likelihood of a large‑scale war as low, saying past experience shows that escalation has not benefited those who initiated it. He emphasized that Iran is prepared for all scenarios but does not seek to ignite conflict.
War
Larijani assessed the likelihood of a large‑scale war as low, saying past experience shows that escalation has not benefited those who initiated it. He emphasized that Iran is prepared for all scenarios but does not seek to ignite conflict.
He described the positions of countries such as Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt—opposing military action—as evidence of their understanding of the risks of regional escalation. He also expressed Iran’s readiness to strengthen relations based on mutual respect and praised Qatar’s role in mediation.
Relations with China and Russia
Larijani said cooperation with China and Russia is based on shared interests, and their support for Iran at the UN Security Council reflects a political partnership. He added that Iran’s pivot toward the East is a result of Western non‑compliance.
Larijani reiterated that Iran does not seek war, but it will not yield to threats and will continue to rely on a combination of negotiation and deterrence.