Al-Khalili clarified in an intervention via ‘Sputnik’ radio that ‘Iran has never closed the doors of diplomacy and has shown its readiness to accept any political agreement that ensures its nuclear rights. However, it will consider the Cairo agreement as ‘void’ if international sanctions are re-imposed or if European capitals pursue an escalatory path, and it will take political steps to enhance its nuclear capabilities.’
Al-Khalili confirmed that ‘any mediation from Egypt or others is welcomed by both parties, but we must know what is happening behind the scenes, what the European countries are offering, and what Tehran is accepting.’
He added that ‘Israel will not hesitate to strike Iran again whenever the opportunity arises, depending on the developments in the confrontation between the two sides, especially since the last Israeli strike did not achieve its objectives and did not have a substantial impact on Iran’s capabilities.’
Regarding the recent visit of the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran, Ali Larijani, to Moscow, Al-Khalili considered that ‘it may partly be linked to efforts to restore relations with the new government in Syria through Russian mediation, in addition to completing military deals with Moscow.’
