At a conference titled “Us and the West in the Thoughts of the Supreme Leader,” Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, discussed Iran’s complex relationship with the West. He emphasized the need to understand the Western perspective, which often seeks dominance. Larijani outlined five historical periods of Iran-West relations, from ancient times to the post-Islamic Revolution, highlighting Iran’s struggle for dignity and independence. He criticized recent U.S. actions, particularly in light of the Israeli assaults and U.S. involvement, asserting that the nuclear issue is a pretext for Western hostility. He called for national unity against aggression and questioned U.S. negotiation sincerity.