The prospects for de-escalation remain uncertain amid renewed tensions between Iran and the United States following Tehran’s accusation that Washington violated a recent ceasefire agreement by attacking Iranian territory. The flare-up has reignited concerns over regional security, the future of nuclear talks and stability in the Gulf. In an interview with Jaya Menon, Iran’s supreme leader Abdul Majid Hakim Elahi’s representative to India who is in Chennai, he accused the US of violating its commitments, outlined Tehran’s conditions for maintaining the ceasefire, defended Iran’s nuclear and missile programmes, and called for a greater role for India in promoting peace in West Asia. Iran has accused the US of violating the recent understanding by attacking Iranian territory. Does Tehran now consider itself effectively in violation of the agreement?From the beginning of negotiations with the United States, even before February 28, we believed that the US does not honor its agreements or signatures. We knew this but joined in the conversation anyway. While the talks were going on, they attacked us and continued the attacks for 40 days. Iran defended itself in a way they never expected.His objectives were clear. They believed that they could topple the Iranian government within three days and also change the map of Iran. President Trump publicly stated that Iran would have a different map after the war. They wanted to divide Iran into many parts. They believed that they could bring about regime change by killing senior leaders, commanders and officers in initial attacks. This was a big mistake.As the war continued, they realized that they could not achieve their goals. Various countries sent delegations and mediators demanding a ceasefire. Iran initially refused because we believed that attackers should first understand the consequences of their actions. The war cost them dearly in wealth, military assets and strategic credibility.Iran responded by targeting US military bases in countries such as Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan. We were forced to react. However, Iran deliberately avoided civilian targets. If we had wanted to attack neighboring countries, the situation would have been completely different. We only targeted military facilities. The UAE is a small country; Even two missiles fired at a landmark like the Khalifa Tower could have had devastating consequences. But Iran decided not to do so.Ultimately, Iran accepted the ceasefire because we did not want the conflict to harm other countries. We never accepted America’s demand for unconditional surrender. Iran proposed its own framework and a ceasefire was agreed. Our position is that the US and Israel ultimately want control over Iran’s resources and territory. We have accepted the ceasefire, but we still do not trust the United States to honor its commitments. Iran responded by attacking US-linked targets in the Gulf. Is there still a way to reduce stress?Iran does not want another conflict. More than 4,000 Iranians were killed and more than 100,000 homes were damaged. Iran did not want war from the beginning. Iran and the people of the region are bearing the brunt of this, while the United States is far away from the consequences.War also benefits those who benefit from it. Oil prices rose sharply during the conflict, bringing economic benefits to some countries. Arms manufacturers also benefit. In 2024 alone, huge quantities of arms were sold to Middle Eastern countries. Weapons are not produced for storage; Ultimately they are used in conflicts. The arms industry depends on wars, and many powerful interests benefit from that reality. What is the Current Status? strait of hormuz?Following the agreement between Iran and the United States, Iran announced that the Strait of Hormuz would remain open to all countries. Ships were allowed to pass under established rules. Problems emerged when the US attempted to impose new terms and seek greater control over the strait. Iran opposes that view. We hope that the strait will remain open and stable.The US has accused Iran of attacking a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz. Does Tehran reject this allegation?Yes. Iran rejected the accusation. We are courageous enough to admit our actions. We did not carry out that attack. What are the most important provisions of the 14-point MoU between America and Iran?The provisions are broad and general, but all parties must respect and honor them. If commitments are not implemented, it becomes difficult to maintain the ceasefire. Which specific clause does Iran believe the US has already failed to respect?The first violation relates to the ceasefire itself. One of the key provisions included stopping attacks on Lebanon. Nevertheless, according to Lebanese officials, thousands of innocent people have been killed and civilian areas are being targeted. Iran considers this a violation of understanding. Why was Iran’s ballistic missile program left out of the agreement?Every country has the right to defend itself. Missiles are one of the tools used for national defense. Therefore, Iran’s missile program is not negotiable. We will not compromise our ability to protect ourselves.Why does the agreement not address Iran’s relations with such groups? Hezbollah?Iran has not supported Hezbollah with arms. Our support has been spiritual and moral. Hezbollah should not be viewed as a terrorist organization. It emerged when large parts of Lebanon were under Israeli occupation. It was formed by Lebanese youth defending their country. In our view, Hezbollah’s actions have been defensive rather than offensive.The agreement provides 60 days to negotiate a permanent solution on Iran’s nuclear program. Are talks progressing?Discussions are ongoing. At the same time, there is a contradiction in the American stance also. President Trump has repeatedly claimed that Iran’s nuclear facilities were destroyed. If this is true then why does this issue keep being raised?Iran has consistently said for more than 30 years that it does not want nuclear weapons. Our religious principles prohibit them. Our leaders have repeatedly said that if Iran wants nuclear weapons, it has the capability to develop them. We do not want them, do not possess them and do not intend to possess them in the future. Nuclear weapons have no place in Iran’s military doctrine. Does that situation remain unchanged?Yes. This is not a political position which changes according to circumstances. It is rooted in religion and hence remains unchanged. Question: What verification system will Iran accept regarding its nuclear program?Iran wishes to exercise its legitimate right to peaceful nuclear energy for electrical, medical and scientific purposes. We need credible guarantees that such rights will be respected.Some countries demand zero uranium enrichment, promising that they will supply Iran with what it needs. Iran cannot easily trust such promises. They may change their position later or impose unfair conditions. Therefore, Iran insists on maintaining its rights while remaining open to reasonable arrangements.Question: What timeline does Iran consider realistic for nuclear-related commitments?Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear technology is non-negotiable. However, the level of uranium enrichment can be discussed. We have already said that we are ready to reduce the level of enrichment for peaceful purposes. What is unacceptable is the demand for no promotion at all.Question: Pakistan reportedly played a role in facilitating contacts between Washington and Tehran. Did India play any role?India is a major country with good relations with both Iran and the United States. Many Indian commentators and policy makers have argued that India can play a larger role in promoting peace in the region.Iran values ​​its relations with India, especially in economic cooperation. Trade continues, including food imports. Diplomatic engagement has also been positive. The Prime Minister of India and the Iranian President have maintained contacts, and the foreign ministers have also communicated. Relations have been strengthened by dialogue through forums like BRICS. We appreciate India’s constructive approach.How does Iran see India’s role in the emerging post-conflict order in West Asia?Relations between Iran and India date back thousands of years and are rooted in culture, civilization, philosophy, education and trade. Many Iranians settled in India generations ago, and scholars continued to move back and forth between the two countries.Iran wants strong relations with India. Given India’s growing international influence and role within BRICS, we believe it can make a significant contribution to peace and stability in West Asia. India is a powerful and intelligent country capable of playing a constructive diplomatic role.The MOU is believed to include commitments to free up Iranian assets, ease sanctions and support reconstruction. Is Iran confident that these commitments will be met?These commitments were written into the agreement and accepted by the other party. However, confidence is difficult because the US situation changes frequently. That is why trust remains a challenge. What are the latest casualties in the conflict and how is the government assisting the affected families?According to Iranian officials, more than 100,000 homes were damaged, including more than 40,000 in Tehran. Hundreds of infants, thousands of children and women, and many civilians were killed. More than 34,000 civilians were injured. Universities, schools, Red Cross facilities and ambulances were also damaged.The government has provided temporary accommodation, including hotels and alternative accommodation, while reconstruction continues. Families who have lost their relatives are receiving help and support. Efforts are underway to rebuild homes and restore normal life as soon as possible. The funeral of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is scheduled for July 9. How many foreign leaders are expected to attend it?Iran has invited several world leaders, and several have indicated they will attend. India has also been invited. My understanding is that Prime Minister Narendra Modi may send a delegation instead of attending personally. We expect lakhs of people to participate in the celebrations organized in many cities. There is also a lot of interest among people in Iraq who want to pay tribute to him.Will the United States be represented?I don’t think so. They killed him. What confidence-building measures can Iran and the US take to maintain a ceasefire and negotiations?A lot depends on the calculations of the US administration. If they believe they can weaken or change Iran through force, they will try. I believe that eventually they will realize that continued war is not a solution and that Iran’s conditions must be taken seriously. At present the neighboring countries are wanting better relations with Iran. There is an opportunity to open a new chapter based on cooperation rather than confrontation.Why did the situation become aggressive again after the ceasefire?Many countries in the Persian Gulf region face pressure from the United States and often lack the freedom to protest American policies. American influence in the region is widespread, including military bases and strategic control. This contributes to instability.Will Iran allow increased inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency?Iran wants to take advantage of its rights under international agreements. However, we believe that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) often applies double standards and is influenced by powerful countries.Iran feels it has been subjected to extensive scrutiny while concerns over Israel’s nuclear capabilities have received less attention. We want fairness, justice and equal treatment under international rules.Does Iran support a broader Gulf security framework involving countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE and India?Yes. Iran wants stronger relations with India, Saudi Arabia and other countries in the Gulf region. We support new agreements focused on security, stability and peace. Our view is that countries in the region should work together to solve their problems rather than allowing external powers to create conflict.
