Mehr News Agency, International Desk: Saeed Khatibzadeh, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister and Head of the Political and International Studies Center at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during his recent visit to Beijing gave an exclusive interview to Phoenix TV China’s program ”Dialog with World Leaders.” the full text follows:
Host: Dr. Khatibzadeh, I’m glad you’re here in Beijing; welcome to ”Dialogue with World Leaders.”
Khatibzadeh: Thank you very much. I appreciate your invitation.
Host: when did you arrive in Beijing?
I arrived two days ago and will depart tommorow. This was my first destination after the US and Israeli aggression against Iran. That shows how important China is for us. Given the current tensions between Iran and Israel, this is a critical moment.
This period is very sensitive-not only because of the offensive initiated by America and Israel but also because it marks a significant shift in international relations this century. The Americans are trying to impose their hegemony on others. Therefore, we must remain highly vigilant regarding unfolding events.
Host: Do you believe there is a potential for escalation amid ongoing clashes as reported recently? what is Iran’s red line?
Tensions can always escalate when facing Israel and the United States at the negotiating table. Iran has always been a supporter of peace; over centuries we have not initiated war against anyone and have remained a stabilizing force regionally. We are an ancient civilization that will endure for millennia to come.
The Israelis seek through their crimes to render a Palestinian state impractical-that makes escalation always possible.
The red line lies in regional awareness-from Egypt through Turkey, Saudi Arabia, to the Gulf-that Israel poses a real threat.
The Americans try exploiting regional relations for hegemonic dominance based on power.
If they imagine they control middle East order through military or intelligence superiority over all countries-they are mistaken.
Iran possesses willpower, commitment, capacity-and can resist this wave of US-led hegemony while opposing Israeli atrocities regionally.
Host: There are growing concerns that this situation could expand into broader military conflict or further regional tensions. How do you respond?
I assure you: as Iran we have made every effort to prevent such escalation-even before these attacks began-we sought peace.
A full-scale war remains possible because neither Washington nor Tel Aviv recognize limits.
The only way forward would be strong mutual signals indicating that their vision of Middle East dominance will not stand.
A stable region demands recognition of Palestine; solving Palestine is crucial since it underlies all problems caused by Israeli refusal toward statehood.
A total war would be catastrophic-not just locally but dragging washington into endless conflict.
This scenario has motivated us-as well as responsible states including China-to act cautiously but decisively using all available tools against such outcomes.
Host:Your top military officers and nuclear scientists have recently been targeted assassinations-some going back years ago. Does this reveal gaps in your intelligence or counterintelligence systems? what measures are being taken?
You must regard Israel as a terrorist cult-no question about it-they might well be among world’s best assassins by nature: dedicated killers trained for sabotage & murder regardless of laws or ethics.
This terror organization named itself ‘Israel.’
No personal opinion here-just look at history: whenever someone opposed them politically or ideologically they assassinated them quietly but fearful behind scenes.
This security challenge exists deeply-but we study it carefully-and take countermeasures vigorously even within our vast country with 90 million people spread across extensive territory-which might itself serve Israeli tactical advantage from their perspective
.Nonetheless we are steadfast both to stop these operations & make them feel pain so they realize how wrong it is indeed treating proud Iranian nation like this.
Host:You mentioned that last year Iran claimed dismantling networks linked to Mossad inside its borders-is this deterrent enough against future infiltration targeting your nuclear program?
This should not be seen solely as Mossad acts; rather coordinated operations involving Mossad alongside CIA & other Western agencies inside our country pose complex threats long-term-including disrupting activities even beyond Iran like those targeting China too -so-called allies cooperate closely with each other
.Our intelligence apparatus has been effective preventing many such plots despite persistent attempts by enemies wishing disruption & subversion both internally & externally. ..., Thus coordination remains key among ourselves plus close partners worldwide to block CIA-Mossad agendas addressing safely vast geopolitical fields targeted continuously.