Interview with ILNA November 2, 2024 -
The interview was in Persian and the translation below was done by Ai.
Sasan Karimi, a lecturer at the Faculty of World Studies at the University of Tehran, stated in an interview with an ILNA reporter regarding the situation in the Middle East after Israel's invasion of Iran: "I think this tension between Iran and the Zionist regime is in its most controlled state. This tension was created by the numerous efforts of the Zionist regime. In any case, Iran's strategic patience led to restraint to some extent, but after that, targeted and controlled responses were the basis of Iran's responses so that both national dignity and security were properly defended and Netanyahu did not achieve his evil goal, which is a full-scale war in the region between Iran and the United States. The atmosphere in the Middle East is inflamed, and at the same time, the upcoming presidential elections in the United States have helped Washington control this atmosphere, at least from Washington. Iran is still strategically patient. If Iran’s responses were not measured, a full-scale war would have already occurred, and if not, the Islamic Republic of Iran has the most credibility.
The West must persuade Iran to change its cost-benefit calculation
In response to the question of what measures the Iranian diplomatic apparatus should follow in the post-attack situation, this Middle East analyst said: In any case, the Islamic Republic’s right to legitimate defense through conventional means, especially military ones, as well as legal action, is reserved. But what path the Islamic Republic of Iran follows naturally depends on the result of cost-benefit calculations. The US government and European governments, which insist on Iran not taking military action in response to Israel, should ask themselves why Iran should forgo exercising such a fundamental right. They should try to persuade Iran in a way that changes its cost-benefit calculation. So far, we have witnessed a bullying tone, especially from the Europeans.
Iran's defense system performed much better and Israeli systems much weaker than expected
Referring to the discussions raised about Iran's deterrence capability, he stated: "In the course of recent events in the region, it was shown that, first, nuclear power does not provide deterrence, contrary to what those who adhere to the theory of so-called realism constantly beat their drums on. Just as the Islamic Republic of Iran fired several hundred missiles at Israel, which is a nuclear entity, and was not afraid of this regime's nuclear power. Furthermore, Iran's defense system performed much better and Israeli systems much weaker than expected. Today, Iran is in a position of security and political self-confidence and can therefore think about its next steps in its basic strategies."
If we do not take the initiative in relations with the United States, our competitors will seize it
This international relations expert said regarding Iran’s relationship with Europe in the current circumstances and the impact of the US elections on the regional space: “We are witnessing unconstructive statements from Europe that require initiatives to improve relations. In the United States, of course, the issue is more complicated, and depending on which candidate wins the election, different designs can be considered. Obviously, not taking the initiative in any case opens the way for Iran’s competitors and enemies, especially in the region, to shape the policy of the next US administration against Iran. What can be said is that we must carefully and within the usual frameworks try to design possible and desirable initiatives and take action after making a decision. Not acting in the international political environment is almost never in the interest of a political system and its national interests.
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