Iran’s Missile Range: Why It Shouldn’t Concern the West

In a recent conference titled “Us and the West in the Thoughts of the Supreme Leader,” Ali Larijani, who serves as the Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, addressed the complex dynamics of Iran’s relationship with the West. He asserted that to truly understand this relationship, one must analyze the Western perspective, which often seeks to achieve peace through dominance and power. His remarks shed light on how historical Western actions have led to global conflicts and emphasized the ongoing period of instability that characterizes current international relations.

Larijani categorized the Iran-West relations into five distinct historical periods:

1. Ancient Times: During this era, Iran was a formidable power, maintaining its independence and significantly influencing Greek philosophical thought.
2. Safavid Era: This period saw Iran harnessing science, religion, and intellectual thought to balance its power against Western nations.
3. Qajar Period: Iran’s dependency on foreign powers grew, primarily due to local rulers’ desire to maintain authority.
4. Pahlavi Dynasty: Iran lost its independence, becoming subject to the control of Western powers such as the US and Britain, particularly evident during the 1953 coup (28 Mordad).
5. Post-Islamic Revolution: Leaders such as Imam Khomeini and Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei restored Iran’s dignity through a focus on science and religion.

Larijani praised the leaders of the Islamic Revolution for prioritizing national interests over uncritical cooperation with the West, while still engaging in economic partnerships. He clarified that while Iranian leadership does not oppose economic collaboration, it firmly rejects any Western interference in its missile programs or nuclear capabilities. He also highlighted Iran’s stance against cultural aggression, aligning with the Leader’s viewpoint of resisting cultural domination attempts.

“Today, it is evident that the nuclear issue was never the actual concern but merely a pretext for hostility,” stated Larijani. He argued that current discussions around missile ranges and Iran’s regional role demonstrate that the West, particularly the US, is pursuing hegemony rather than genuine security. “Iran is neither a dominator nor a country that yields to empty threats,” he further emphasized.

In light of recent events, Larijani spoke on the aftermath of the Israeli assault, stating, “The people and armed forces stood strong against the brutal aggression of the Israeli regime and turned the tide. Never before in history has Israel been so widely despised by the world. Today, global resentment toward the United States has increased thousands of times.” He underscored that achieving victory against such threats relies on national unity.

Commenting on US calls for negotiation, Larijani raised questions regarding the sincerity of these overtures, asking, “Wasn’t Iran already engaged in talks? Then why did the US president betray Iran during negotiations and attack? Now Trump shamelessly admits he played a key role in the strike.” He noted that the initial three days of the conflict were crucial, but the strategic guidance from the Leader and direct engagement with field commanders altered the situation’s trajectory.

On June 13, Israel initiated an unprovoked war against Iran, targeting high-ranking military personnel, nuclear scientists, and civilians. Subsequently, over a week later, the United States joined the conflict by bombing three Iranian nuclear sites, which Larijani described as a gross violation of the United Nations Charter, international law, and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

On June 24, Iran conducted successful retaliatory operations against both the Israeli regime and the US, effectively halting the illegal assault. Larijani noted that Trump, in a recent address at the White House, appeared to take full responsibility for what had initially been characterized as an Israeli-only action. “Israel attacked first. That attack was very, very powerful. I was very much in charge of that,” he remarked.

Since the onset of the aggression, Trump has repeatedly claimed credit for the outcome, asserting that the US “totally obliterated” Iran’s nuclear program. His recent comments suggested he had orchestrated the war from its inception, raising significant questions about his previous stance as a “peace” candidate who opposed initiating new conflicts.

As the situation continues to evolve, the discussions surrounding Iran’s relationship with the West and the implications of recent military engagements remain critical. The broader international community watches closely as the dynamics unfold, assessing the potential impact on regional stability and global security.

In summary, Larijani’s insights at the conference illuminate the intricate history and current state of Iran-West relations, emphasizing the importance of understanding the multifaceted nature of international interactions and the consequences of power-driven policies.