Analysis of Military Strategy and Negotiations

After the war, what exactly happened? The enemy drew two wrong conclusions.

First, that they had to prepare themselves for a longer war to be able to match Iran.

Second, they had to strike the social base of the system first, and then strike the system itself.

Therefore, we witnessed that during this interval, a

massive military deployment was established and taken up in our region.

They created a military buildup in the region.

The Americans brought whatever they had, and they equipped the Zionist regime as much as they could.

Their defense system,

which had fallen short at the end of the 33-day war,

they reinforced so it could carry out a longer war.

And then they worked on the social grounds, where the events of '98 and '99 occurred.

And it was after that, that they reached the conclusion that, well, now is the time.

When the enemy's military deployment in the region was indeed complete,

their demand for renegotiation began.

And this demand was once again for zero enrichment.

Meaning they returned again

to, 'Well, do you accept zero enrichment or should we strike?' This time it was like this.

There was a lot of debate back then about whether a new round of negotiations should take place or not.

And finally, the conclusion was that we should start the negotiations.

Mainly to leave no room for excuses.

So that later, no one would say, 'If you had negotiated, there wouldn't have been a war.'

Meaning you were sure there would be a war? I was sure. I will tell you the details later.

Our military forces were sure. We ourselves were sure.

And because we were sure, we said one or two rounds of negotiations must take place.

Either the other side backs down from its zero enrichment position, which is unlikely,

Or if they don't back down, we have our proof. Then no one, whether in the international community,

Or in our own society at home,

No one will tell us, 'It's your own interpretation, you should have negotiated.'

This was the philosophy behind negotiating. Otherwise, if you remember—my interviews are available.

My speeches are on TV. My speech in the parliament is published.

That, sir, the goal of these negotiations is clear.

The enemy's military goals are also completely clear. If you think negotiation is a deception, well, don't be deceived.

It is very easy for them. No deception. No one should be deceived.

The armed forces shouldn't just wait for me, the negotiator. I have a mission that I am carrying out.

Either I succeed or I don't. The armed forces shouldn't just wait for me.

The government shouldn't just wait for me. In securing the people's livelihood, every warehouse must be filled.

Every stockpile must be created.

Do it all. Therefore, when the war started, we were completely prepared.

And the proof is that two hours later, we began to respond.

Because all of this planning had been done.

It was completely clear that if

whatever the level of the enemy's attack, we would respond proportionately to that level.

Why was the Strait of Hormuz also closed on the first day?

Because it had been planned beforehand

that if the leadership were targeted, the strait would be closed immediately.

Are we putting this in the forty-day period?

No, my question is, did you go to register in history...

and negotiate? Once, Mr. Larijani... I heard this myself from Mr. Larijani.

I think it was around August or September.

He said that by late autumn, there will definitely be war.

Then I said, "Well, why are we negotiating?"

He said, "There is a 30% chance of war on our part."

Look, negotiation had several goals.

One was that a way out might be found in negotiations, and we shouldn't lose this.

War, in any case, has its own costs.

And if any country can achieve its goals through negotiation, it would definitely prefer this...

...safer and less costly path.

Well, let's say maybe, for example, 10%...

I accept this, but the credibility...

...of the negotiators is ruined when you send them to negotiate and war keeps happening.

Do you accept this? You might be right...

But we are not here for credibility...

We go to war, you know, meaning to preserve our own...

...credibility. I am the Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic for the interests of the Islamic Republic, not...

...for my own credibility. And unfortunately, I admit that in some places, some decisions are made for their own...

...credibility, or some decisions they don't make for their honor. And personally, with the spirit...

...that I was raised with in the Islamic Republic, I consider this treason.

If something needs to be done and a mission is assigned, I no longer think about my political future...

...or my own credibility. This is not important at all. If some people shed their blood for this country, I...