In a December 24 interview with Al-Mayadeen, Kamal Kharrazi, a senior advisor to the Iranian regime’s Supreme Leader and head of the Strategic Council on Foreign Relations, made pointed remarks about Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. “We are fundamentally opposed to nuclear weapons,” Kharrazi stated, but he added, “If they take actions against us, naturally, we will respond in kind when the time is right.” This veiled threat has raised concerns that Iran is increasingly leveraging its nuclear program to counter growing international isolation and regional setbacks.
Kharrazi emphasized the regime’s readiness to adapt to shifting dynamics, describing Tehran’s approach as responsive to external pressures. “We are prepared for both dialogue and countering pressures,” he said. However, this dual narrative of negotiation and resistance has long been a cornerstone of Tehran’s strategy to buy time, conceal advancements in its nuclear weapons program, and extort concessions from the international community.
He further suggested that Iran’s next steps would hinge on the policies of the new U.S. administration, stating, “We are watching their behavior closely, but we will not rush. Our actions will align with theirs.”
Kharazi’s comments come as the regime grapples with the collapse of its ally in Syria and increasing challenges to its regional influence. Despite acknowledging the strategic importance of Damascus, he sought to downplay the broader implications of the regime’s losses, attributing recent developments to what he called an “American-Israeli plan.” He admitted, “The opposition’s rapid advances in Syria were enabled by the lack of resistance from the Syrian army.”
The regime’s bellicose stance appears increasingly disconnected from reality. Kharazi’s remarks, laden with vague threats and self-congratulatory rhetoric, underscore a regime struggling to maintain its relevance in a rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape. As regional alliances falter and its influence wanes, Tehran’s reliance on threats and propaganda reflects not strength but an acute awareness of its weakening position.
Over the years, Iranian officials have frequently used bellicose rhetoric as a shield against growing international scrutiny and domestic discontent.
This approach was evident last month when the regime’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi threatened “reciprocal measures” if the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) passed a resolution against Iran. “If a resolution is issued against us, Iran will take steps in its nuclear program that they certainly won’t like,” Araqchi declared, echoing the same defiant tone used by Kharazi. Similarly, Ahmad Naderi, a senior parliamentarian, recently advocated for developing nuclear weapons to “restore balance in the region,” citing Israel’s capabilities as justification.
For years, the Iranian regime has perfected the tactic of nuclear extortion, leveraging negotiations as a means to delay decisive action by the international community. By offering the prospect of dialogue, the regime has managed to avoid firm consequences, all while enriching uranium to near-weapons-grade levels, obstructing inspections, and concealing its activities at undeclared sites. As Kamal Kharrazi’s recent statements show, this approach remains central to Tehran’s strategy.
To address this escalating threat, the international community must reimpose comprehensive sanctions to choke off Tehran’s financial resources and halt its nuclear progress. Rigorous inspections should be implemented to ensure full transparency and prevent further concealment of nuclear activities. However, support for the Iranian people and their organized resistance to bring about democratic change is the only lasting solution to eliminating the nuclear threat. Regime change in Iran would not only neutralize the danger of nuclear proliferation but also restore regional peace and contribute to global security. It is time to end Tehran’s cycle of extortion and deceit with firm and united action.
Source » ncr-iran