Iran's ambassador to Australia issues warning to Donald Trump | 7.30

Key Concepts:

• Unprovoked attack by Israel on Iran
• Targeting of residential areas and peaceful nuclear program
• Right to self-defense under UN Charter
• Iran's nuclear program and NPT membership
• IAEA concerns and safeguard measures
• Denial of nuclear weapon development
• Controversy over comments about Israel
• Right of Palestinian self-governance
• Pre-scheduled talks between Iran and US
• Conditions for returning to negotiations
• Potential consequences of US involvement

1. Alleged Israeli Attack and Iranian Response

• The Iranian ambassador states that on June 30th, Iran experienced an "unprovoked attack by the Israeli regime."
• The attack allegedly targeted residential areas, resulting in the "killing and assassination of some civilian people, our scientists, and some also commanders of the armed forces."
• The ambassador claims the attack also targeted Iran's "peaceful nuclear program" in Natanz and Isfahan, which are under IAEA safeguards as Iran is an NPT member.
• In response, Iran has allegedly "killed civilians in Israel" and warned residents of Tel Aviv and Haifa to evacuate.

2. Justification for Targeting Residential Areas

• The ambassador cites the UN Charter, Chapter 4, Article 2 and Article 51, to justify Iran's actions as self-defense.
• He argues that when a UN member breaches laws and attacks another, the attacked country has the "legitimate right" to take defensive measures if the UN Security Council doesn't act.
• Therefore, Iran used its "inalienable right" under the UN Charter to take "defensive measures."

3. Iran's Nuclear Program and IAEA Concerns

• The ambassador asserts that Iran, as an NPT member, has applied all safeguard measures and cooperated with the IAEA.
• He claims the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear program has been "signified" by the IAEA Director General.
• However, he acknowledges that the IAEA Director General has expressed concerns and the IAEA Board of Governors found "many failures in Iran's upholding of its obligations."
• These concerns relate to the inability to provide assurances that Iran's nuclear program is "exclusively peaceful."
• The ambassador mentions talks between Iranian officials and IAEA's Rafael Grossi to address suspicions, emphasizing the "long time and continuous" cooperation process.

4. Denial of Nuclear Weapon Development

• The ambassador states that Iran has "declared quite a few times" that it does not have any nuclear program in terms of a military aspect.
• When pressed on whether Iran is currently working towards a nuclear weapon, he says "not yet," but denies that it is the plan.
• He explicitly states, "there is no ambition at all to develop a nuclear weapon," claiming it has been "prohibited by our supreme leader."

5. Controversy Over Comments About Israel

• The interviewer brings up Iran's "repeated threats to wipe it [Israel] off the map" and the ambassador's personal reference to "wiping out the Zionist plague from the holy lands of Palestine."
• The ambassador claims his comments were misrepresented by "lobbies" and that Iran's position is that "Palestinian people should have the right of self-governance and a referendum just participated by all Palestinians."
• When asked if Israel has a right to exist, the ambassador avoids a direct answer, stating that the issue "should be just approved by the people of that land" through a referendum.
• He refers to Israel as "occupied Palestine" and mentions the "exodus out of the Palestine."

6. Conditions for Returning to Negotiations with the US

• The ambassador mentions a pre-scheduled talk between Iran and the US in Muscat, Oman, after the alleged Israeli attack.
• He states that returning to the table "depends" because of the alleged attack by Israel.
• He demands "condemnation of Israel" before Iran will resume negotiations.
• He also asks for the Australian government to condemn Israel.

7. Potential Consequences of US Involvement

• The ambassador outlines potential consequences if the US becomes directly involved in the conflict.
• He suggests it would contradict Mr. Trump's character as a "man of peace."
• He warns that the "energy of the Persian Gulf would be in hazard."
• He notes that "around 80,000 US personnel are in the Persian Gulf area" and their safety could be compromised.
• He suggests that Islamic nations in the region would respond if Iran were attacked by the US.
• He advises Mr. Trump to avoid being "dragged in an unwanted war" by Netanyahu.

8. Synthesis/Conclusion

The Iranian ambassador presents a narrative of unprovoked aggression by Israel, justifying Iran's actions as self-defense under the UN Charter. He denies any current intention to develop nuclear weapons, despite IAEA concerns, and demands condemnation of Israel as a precondition for resuming negotiations with the US. He warns of severe consequences if the US becomes directly involved in the conflict, highlighting the potential for regional instability and harm to US personnel. The interview reveals deep-seated tensions and conflicting perspectives on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and Iran's nuclear ambitions.