In an exclusive interview with Al Mayadeen during Iran’s Sacred Defense Week, Ali Akbar Velayati, senior advisor to Iranian Leader Sayyed Ali Khamenei, addressed a wide range of pressing regional and international issues.

Velayati rejected Europe's decision to revive nuclear sanctions on Iran, condemned the ongoing Israeli aggression on Gaza and attacks on Qatar, and reaffirmed Tehran's unwavering support for the Axis of Resistance, Palestinian self-determination, and the rights of oppressed peoples across the region.

Responding the reactivation of the snapback mechanism by the European Troika, Britain, France, and Germany, Velayati said the action exposed the longstanding enmity of the West, including the US, towards the Iranian people.

“This hostile move once again reveals the true face of the historic animosity rooted in Western colonial and hegemonic policies,” he stated.

He blasted the move as a clear violation of UN Security Council Resolution 2231 and a desperate attempt to hinder Iran’s scientific and defense advancements, as well as an attempt to exert pressure on the Resistance Axis.

While reiterating Iran’s longstanding commitment to peaceful diplomacy, Velayati warned that Tehran would respond to such provocations with strength and national dignity.

“These measures will do nothing but deepen Europe’s isolation on the world stage. Iran, grounded in faith, science, and the unity of its people, will continue progressing at full speed,” he stressed.

Trump reminiscent of Hitler

Additionally, Velayati drew parallels between the United States under President Donald Trump and the rise of Nazi Germany, comparing Trump's behavior to Hitler's at the start of the Second World War.

“Trump’s behavior is reminiscent of Hitler’s actions at the start of World War II. Just as Hitler intimidated Western powers into submission in 1939, Trump has followed a similarly dangerous path: one that will not end well for him or his allies.”

Condemning "Israel's" attack on Qatar, the top Iranian official said it represented a broader campaign that exclusively targets the Muslim world, further likening the Israeli entity's actions to the atrocities committed during the medieval era.

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“What happened in Qatar reveals the same crusader mentality, where Muslims are slaughtered simply for being Muslim. Today, a rogue entity, ejected even by followers of Prophet Moses (peace be upon him), commits unspeakable crimes against innocent civilians.”

He referenced historical accounts of the Crusades, quoting Richard the Lionheart’s notorious letter detailing the bloodshed in al-Quds, "In Jerusalem, the blood of Muslims ran up to our knees."

Velayati asserted that modern Zionism is a radical offshoot of extremist evangelical movements, the same ideology that orchestrated the post-9/11 wars in the region. "They are the same ones who, after the attack on the World Trade Center towers, prompted Bush to declare that the crusades have returned. Later, it became clear that the same current had orchestrated the attack to provide a pretext for the invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan."

He also criticized the duplicity of Western powers, particularly the US and UK, whom he condemned for openly supporting "Israel" at the start of the attack on Qatar, only to distance themselves later when their objectives failed.

“Despite Qatar’s support for the US, Washington initially backed the aggression. After failing to eliminate Hamas's leaders, it eased its tone. As for Britain, evidence suggests one of its refueling aircraft supported Israeli fighter jets under the guise of joint drills with Qatari forces.”

Therefore, Velayati expressed hope that the Islamic and Arab nations would learn from these experiences and acknowledge the effective achievements of the Resistance in confronting their fierce enemies. "The Islamic Republic of Iran is sincerely ready to provide all necessary support to Islamic countries in defending their sovereignty and interests," he stressed.

Resistance strong despite all odds 

As for the efforts to weaken Resistance movements in the region, particularly Hezbollah in Lebanon, Velayati affirmed that such conspiracies are not new and have consistently failed.

“For over four decades, I’ve witnessed Western and Zionist plots in Lebanon and Iraq. Today, the Resistance is stronger, more experienced, and more determined than ever. These new conspiracies will fail just like those before them.”

In this context, he praised the resilience of the Lebanese and Iraqi people, as well as the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), stating they continue to stand firm against US and Israeli interference.

Condemnations insufficient, action needed 

Velayati also explored the situation in Gaza, denouncing "Israel's" crimes as "monstrous", as the occupation continues burying children alive, targeting pregnant women, assassinating Palestinian elites and intellectuals, and pulverizing vital infrastructure. 

“These are not just war crimes, they are acts of genocide, cultural erasure, and demographic annihilation,” he said.

Velayati stressed that condemnation alone is not enough, and outlined urgent measures the international community must take, including:

1. Exerting international pressure to open humanitarian crossings and break the siege on Gaza
2. Establishing a special international tribunal to prosecute Israeli war criminals
3. Imposing sweeping economic, political, and military sanctions on "Israel"
4. Ensuring uncensored media coverage of the crimes committed in Gaza

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