Recently, Ali Larijani, an advisor to the Supreme Leader, warned that if Iran is attacked, its nuclear policy might change. This message is directed squarely at the West: “If you threaten our existence, we may follow the path of North Korea.” This is not merely a warning; it is the logical outcome of Western policies that have persistently pushed Iran into defending itself.
History has demonstrated that every time Iran has faced extreme pressure, it has not retreated but has instead strengthened its independence and turned threats into opportunities. The U.S. policy of “maximum pressure,” first implemented by Trump, continued by Biden, and then intensified by Trump at the start of his second term, has yielded no results. Instead, it has accelerated Iran’s peaceful nuclear development. The question now is: Is the United States prepared to commit an even greater strategic blunder?
Meanwhile, the Zionist regime, which has long sought to use the United States as a tool to pressure Iran, now feels more existentially threatened than ever. The Al-Aqsa Flood operation carried out by the Palestinian resistance, along with Yemen’s attacks on Zionist targets deep inside occupied territories, and growing global grassroots support for the resistance axis all indicate that regional dynamics have changed. Now, out of fear of internal collapse, this regime is trying to drag the West into a direct war with Iran. But what its illegitimate leaders fail to understand is that any military adventure against Iran will not remain confined to its borders but will ignite an all-out regional war that will leave nothing untouched.
For years, Iran has adhered to a policy of “strategic patience,” but this does not signify weakness. Tehran has repeatedly proven that it believes in diplomatic solutions, yet it refuses to engage in negotiations under threat and coercion. If the West is genuinely interested in dialogue, it must recognize that a policy of threats will only push Iran toward tougher choices.
Some in the West, particularly in the United States, believe they can subjugate Iran using the same tactics they have employed against certain regional states—through economic sanctions and extreme pressure. However, they overlook the fact that Iran is not a subordinate state but an independent power that has demonstrated its ability to resist and rebuild even in the most challenging circumstances. This is the reality that Iran’s adversaries refuse to acknowledge.
Any aggression against Iran will not only trigger a major confrontation but will also destabilize the entire region. The Arab countries that have sought to purchase security through alliances with the Zionist regime will be the first to suffer the consequences of such a strategic mistake. Furthermore, U.S. military bases in the region, aircraft carriers in the warm waters, and even the Zionist entity itself will all be within Iran’s retaliatory reach. The question is: Are the United States and its allies prepared to pay such a heavy price?
Iran has repeatedly affirmed that it does not seek war, but it will not hesitate to respond forcefully to any aggression. This is not mere rhetoric but a well-established strategy that has proven its effectiveness over the years. Iran’s adversaries must understand that the only path to peace is recognizing Iran as an independent regional power rather than attempting to impose dictates upon it.
Ultimately, the decision lies with the West. They must either choose the path of dialogue based on mutual respect or face a new reality they may not be prepared to handle—one in which Iran will no longer adhere to previous deterrence policies. The future of the region hinges on the choices that global powers make. Will they learn from history’s lessons, or are they on the verge of repeating a mistake that could exact an irreversible toll on everyone?
Najah Mohammad Ali
NOURNEWS