Ali Larijani, senior advisor to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution Sayyed Ali Khamenei, warned that any US or Israeli attack on Iran under the pretext of its nuclear program would force Tehran to move toward producing a nuclear bomb.

The attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities does not serve American interests, Larijani stated, declaring, “In such a case, we would be compelled to take another path that could create a secondary justification for acquiring nuclear weapons.”

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'Capable of advancing our nuclear program'

Larijani further asserted that if Iran were attacked, the Iranian people would "push for an accelerated development of nuclear weapons." He clarified that any strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities would not hinder the country’s progress for more than two years, given Tehran’s precautionary measures.

Moreover, he referred to external analyses indicating attempts to create unrest within Iran in conjunction with external pressure.

In this context, the top official highlighted that the United States is capable of identifying common economic interests with Iran, noting that if Washington wished to discuss economic cooperation, it could engage with Tehran "fairly" in a way that benefits both parties.

Referring to US President Donald Trump, Larijani described him as “a talented man" who "managed to amass a great fortune in business,” but criticized the US for obscuring its stance in diplomatic communications. "Revealing the text of the other party’s message is not common diplomatic practice, as it hinders negotiations," he affirmed. 

Larijani also dismissed Trump’s military threats, arguing that they contradict his self-description as a "president seeking peace." 

“Trump’s actions have become a global issue, and while we believe he may attempt an uncalculated move, our military forces remain on full alert,” he revealed. 

US made a mistake in Yemen

On the situation in Yemen, Larijani said that the US initiated the conflict in Yemen while the latter is merely responding in self-defense. 

“If the Americans were wise, they would not have gotten involved in Yemen,” he emphasized, recalling the history of Yemen and the wars it fought, stating, "Anyone who got involved found themselves drowning in problems."

Larijani stressed that Yemenis are intelligent and formidable fighters, warning that "the Yemeni people are brave warriors, and it is not in America’s interest to wage war against them."

Read more: Any hostility against Iran to prompt severe response: Sayyed Khamenei