In an exclusive interview on Tuesday, he condemned recent US and Israeli attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities for violations of international law and the UN Charter.
“Unlike Iran, Westerners destroy diplomatic opportunities and are responsible for the onset of the Zionist regime and the US attack,” he said.
Asif claimed that Iran had consistently sought negotiations, but the US and Israel had escalated tensions. “The Iranians have never left the negotiation table,” he said. It references recent diplomatic efforts by Tehran to resolve conflicts over the nuclear program.
He accused Israel of “illegal attacks” against Iran and criticized the West for not holding the regime responsible. “It’s ridiculous that the West always wants Iran back to the negotiation table because the Iranians didn’t leave,” he said.
The minister also denounced the IAEA with a biased stance, particularly regarding Israel’s nuclear program. “A regime that is not even a member of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) can do anything and has permission to carry out an invasion,” he said, referring to Israel.
The ASIF has linked recent regional tensions to a wider “Zionist plot,” highlighting Israel’s attempts to destabilise its neighboring Muslim countries. “They are at a level where they can trample on all international law, human values and traditions,” he said.
In a message to Iran, Asif expressed solidarity and said, “My message to my Iranian brothers and sisters is to stand firm and immobilize, as God is with them.”
MNA/IRN