Rezaei: Negotiating with the U.S. is Futile, Increasing Missile Range Brings Security

Mohsen Rezaei, Secretary of the Expediency Discernment Council, criticized the notion that many are waiting for the U.S. to establish relations with Iran to solve problems, stating, "We do not accept negotiations with the U.S." In a news interview on September 19, he asserted that there is a direct relationship between increasing security in the country and the range of missiles. He claimed that criticisms of military performance in Iran are "playing into the enemy's hands." He praised recent remarks by Ayatollah Khamenei about instilling fear in the enemy as the "only factor in eliminating military threats," emphasizing that "the greater our missile range, the less likely war becomes." He noted that national security also depends on officials not contradicting each other. Rezaei did not specify the types of missiles he referred to; Iran continues to face Western sanctions regarding the development of ballistic missiles that could potentially carry nuclear warheads. Tehran has consistently denied these accusations, asserting that its missile program has defensive objectives and does not seek to acquire nuclear weapons. Iran and six world powers initiated a program last July for joint actions to limit Tehran's nuclear activities and lift sanctions. However, Iranian officials have criticized the West in recent months for failing to fulfill commitments. The United States claims it is adhering to its obligations to lift sanctions as long as Iran complies with its nuclear limitations. In his interview, Rezaei also criticized the economic situation and issues such as the lack of relationships with major banks or the inability to convert blocked funds in other countries. He indirectly criticized "some officials," stating that instead of solving the issue of power, they should focus on resolving the country's economic problems. According to Rezaei, military sanctions against Iran have been much more severe than economic sanctions, questioning, "How have we become a great power in terms of military strength while those in charge struggle with the economy, which has fewer restrictions?" The Secretary of the Expediency Discernment Council did not provide further details on becoming a major military power but stated that Iran's strength lies in conducting "asymmetric warfare." Previously, U.S. Treasury officials described economic sanctions against Iran as "the most severe punishments in history." Rezaei criticized the idea of direct negotiations with the U.S., including on regional issues, stating that previous interactions have yielded no results for Iran. He mentioned that if negotiations occur with "eight to ten world powers, like Russia, that is another discussion. That is not negotiation with the U.S." Reports have emerged that U.S. officials have raised issues with Iranian officials on various topics, including Syria. However, Ayatollah Khamenei, the leader of the Islamic Republic and a staunch critic of Washington, has stated that he forbids any negotiations other than those concerning nuclear issues. In his televised remarks, Rezaei also stated, "If Saudi Arabia attacks us, we will take hundreds of planes, artillery, and tanks from them," adding that "these weapons will, God willing, fall into the hands of revolutionary forces, whether ours or those of the revolutionary forces that will replace the Al Saud, and will be used against the U.S. and Israel." The tumultuous relationship between Iran and Saudi Arabia has recently entered a new phase of crisis. Saudi Arabia claims Iran is on the "list of state sponsors of terrorism," while Iran describes Saudi leaders and "Wahhabism" as the main drivers of terrorist actions in the world. The U.S. has imposed sanctions against Iran and its supported groups due to accusations of "state-sponsored terrorism." Iranian officials have also spoken about "wiping Israel off the map," which has faced international criticism. In recent weeks, various reports have surfaced indicating that criticisms among Iranian leaders regarding military advancements, economic issues, and relations with the West or regional countries have been raised. For instance, in mid-September, a senior commander of the Revolutionary Guard criticized recent remarks by Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, who attributed Germany and Japan's economic progress to their "lack of military force," stating, "If they dare, let them travel for a few days without protection and then say that a country does not need military force." In this context, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic reiterated his opposition to any negotiations with the U.S., stating that the only factor in eliminating military threats is instilling fear and terror in the enemy.