By - ABS Radio
In a candid interview, Ali Larijani, former Speaker of Iran’s Parliament, offered a wide-ranging reflection on the challenges and realities facing the Islamic Republic—both at home and abroad. His words painted a picture of a world governed not by rules, but by raw power, while urging Iranian leaders to prioritize the people’s needs and harness regional alliances for national strength.
International Politics: A Jungle of Power
When asked about international regulations, Larijani was blunt. He dismissed them as “nonsense,” insisting that in global politics, only strength guarantees survival.
“The international arena is like a jungle, but it is a reality that exists. If you do not safeguard your powers, you will be harmed.”
He argued that any country ignoring this harsh reality risks being weakened or exploited. For Iran, he said, this means strengthening internal unity, protecting the people’s interests, and expanding cooperation with allies in the region.
Far from seeing movements like Hezbollah and other Resistance forces as a burden, Larijani described them as part of Iran’s security depth. In his view, mutual support between Iran and its regional allies is not optional but essential for national security.
On Extensions of Nuclear Agreements
Turning to the nuclear file, Larijani rejected proposals by some states to extend existing agreements through six-month or one-year renewals. He stressed that such practices undermine the original commitments and create a cycle of endless renegotiation.
“We had an agreement that was supposed to be concluded within ten years. It is not accepted that they go back on their word and add to it again. Iran truly does not subscribe to this.”
While acknowledging that some internal voices have entertained the idea of short extensions, Larijani made clear that Iran’s official stance is to resist such incremental changes.
On the role of the UN Security Council, he highlighted divisions among major powers over the “snapback mechanism.” Any move in that direction, he said, would spark debates within the Council itself, delaying any definitive outcome.
Preparing for Worst-Case Scenarios
When pressed on the possibility of worst-case scenarios, Larijani remained calm but firm. He admitted that such situations could unfold but emphasized that Iran still has time to plan and strategize. His message: Iran must remain alert and flexible, ready to act if pressures escalate.
Domestic Challenges: The People Come First
Despite his detailed remarks on international affairs, Larijani repeatedly returned to the plight of the Iranian people. He described their unmet needs and economic struggles as the most pressing issue facing the country today.
“The fact that people face problems in meeting their basic needs is more agonizing than anything else and must be resolved.”
He called for urgent measures to revive idle factories, stabilize electricity and gas supplies, and prevent the erosion of national wealth. Larijani stressed that while international negotiations matter, the endurance of the Iranian people is at the heart of national security.
In his words, the government and the parliament carry the heavier responsibility to address these crises, but all institutions—including the national security establishment—must remain deeply concerned about how prolonged hardships undermine public trust and resilience.
Larijani’s remarks captured two parallel truths: Iran must guard itself in an international system driven by power, not rules—and at the same time, its true strength comes from within. Without addressing the economic and social needs of its people, external strategies will remain fragile.
His interview was both a warning and a prescription: safeguard power abroad, but never at the cost of neglecting the struggles of ordinary Iranians at home.