In a December 24 interview<\/a> with Al-Mayadeen<\/em>, Kamal Kharrazi, a senior advisor to the Iranian regime’s Supreme Leader and head of the Strategic Council on Foreign Relations, made pointed remarks about Tehran\u2019s nuclear ambitions. \u201cWe are fundamentally opposed to nuclear weapons,\u201d Kharrazi stated, but he added, \u201cIf they take actions against us, naturally, we will respond in kind when the time is right.\u201d This veiled threat has raised concerns that Iran is increasingly leveraging its nuclear program to counter growing international isolation and regional setbacks.<\/p>\n Kharrazi emphasized the regime\u2019s readiness to adapt to shifting dynamics, describing Tehran\u2019s approach as responsive to external pressures. \u201cWe are prepared for both dialogue and countering pressures,\u201d he said. However, this dual narrative of negotiation and resistance has long been a cornerstone of Tehran\u2019s strategy to buy time, conceal advancements in its nuclear weapons program, and extort concessions from the international community.<\/p>\n He further suggested that Iran\u2019s next steps would hinge on the policies of the new U.S. administration, stating, \u201cWe are watching their behavior closely, but we will not rush. Our actions will align with theirs.\u201d<\/p>\n Kharazi\u2019s comments come as the regime grapples with the collapse of its ally in Syria and increasing challenges to its regional influence. Despite acknowledging the strategic importance of Damascus, he sought to downplay the broader implications of the regime\u2019s losses, attributing recent developments to what he called an \u201cAmerican-Israeli plan.\u201d He admitted, \u201cThe opposition\u2019s rapid advances in Syria were enabled by the lack of resistance from the Syrian army.\u201d<\/p>\n NCRI Editorial: The Escalation of #Iran<\/a>\u2019s Nuclear Ambitions: A Call for Decisive Actionhttps:\/\/t.co\/0iTb4Lq0Fm<\/a><\/p>\n — NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) December 25, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n
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