Dr. Kamal Kharrazi, the head of Iran's Strategic Council on Foreign Relations (Illustrated for Al Mayadeen English by Mahdi Rtail)

In an exclusive interview with Al Mayadeen, Dr. Kamal Kharrazi, the head of Iran's Strategic Council on Foreign Relations, discussed pivotal regional issues. He addressed questions on the events in Syria, the role of the new government, and the implications of the Syrian regime's fall on the Axis of Resistance.

Syrian regime collapse a plot against Iran?

When asked about the events in Syria and the fall of the Bashar al-Assad government, Kharrazi highlighted that the Syrian crisis involved multiple stakeholders, each pursuing their own objectives. He emphasized that the three nations involved in the Astana Process—Russia, Turkiye, and Iran—had divergent goals. While Iran aimed to support the Axis of Resistance, Turkiye and Russia followed their respective agendas.

Kharrazi underlined that the Israeli occupation forces had been persistently bombing Syrian territories, noting that despite Russia's control over Syrian airspace, it took no substantial measures to counter Israeli strikes. He pointed out that the rapid advancements made by Syrian opposition forces and their capture of key cities were indicative of broader geopolitical dynamics.

He detailed how the Syrian Arab Army's allied forces, "could have resisted with the support of the Syrian army and Russian air support. However, in the absence of such coordination, they were unable to withstand the pressure and withdrew, returning to Iran," consequently leaving the opposition to make significant territorial gains.

Kharrazi asserted that the developments in Syria were part of a US-Israeli project. "Evidenced by American officials immediately heading to Damascus to meet with opposition leaders and even canceling the bounty placed on the capture of Abu Mohammad al-Jolani. This indicates that what transpired was part of an American plan. Various factions and countries, including Turkiye, played a role in these events and are likely to have a role in the future as well."

According to Kharrazi, this combination of the US-Israeli strategy, Turkiye's role, and unresolved territorial disputes "have also been a motivating factor for Ankara to provide logistical and training support to opposition forces to enable their entry into Syria and seize control."

Possible engagement with the new Syrian government?

When questioned about the performance of Syria's new government and the future of Tehran-Damascus relations, Kharrazi reiterated that Iran's primary goal in supporting Bashar al-Assad's regime was to combat extremist groups that posed a threat not only to Syria but also to the broader region, including Iraq and Iran.

He underscored that Iran's support for the Syrian government was rooted in its alignment with the Axis of Resistance against the Israeli occupation, as apart from this, it had no common ground with the Syrian government under al-Assad.

"These forces [in the new regime] have not, to date, displayed any hostile behavior toward Iran. While their positions may not be entirely positive toward the Islamic Republic of Iran, they have not taken any actions against us. Thus, our stance and approach toward them will depend on their future behavior and positions toward us," Kharrazi added.

For Iran, the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Syria remain key priorities, he stressed. "We hope that this is achieved and that Syria’s youth can defend their homeland in the future against Israeli aggression."

The Axis of Resistance after the fall of the regime

Addressing the impact of the regime's fall on the Resistance Axis, Kharrazi acknowledged the pivotal role Damascus once played in supporting the Palestinian cause. He argued that the changes in Syria were part of a broader strategy first outlined by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in 1996, and later reiterated in 2002 before the US Congress, emphasizing that "the way to resolve the Palestinian issue was by toppling governments that support Palestinians."

Kharrazi emphasized that this policy enjoyed consistent backing from the US, highlighting former President Obama's call for Bashar al-Assad's departure as evidence of Washington's long-standing opposition to the Assad regime.

Despite these challenges, Kharrazi maintained that the Resistance Axis would endure. He pointed to the resilience of Palestinian groups such as Hamas and Islamic Jihad, whose reemergence and increasing capabilities were unforeseen by many. The arming of factions in the West Bank, previously unimaginable, now serves as a testament to the enduring strength of the Palestinian Resistance.

Kharrazi, moreover, asserted that the roots of the Resistance were deeply embedded in the hearts and souls of Palestinians. As long as Israeli aggression and occupation persist, the resistance will continue. "The roots of resistance are strong and solid, to the extent that its spark cannot be extinguished by such scenarios, wars, the martyrdom of its leaders, or the fall of certain regimes."

Israeli incursions into Syria

Asked about the Israeli occupation's aggression on Syria and the occupation of its territory, Kharrazi responded by emphasizing that the Israeli aggression against Syria is not new, citing the long-standing occupation of the Golan Heights.

However, he pointed out that recent Israeli actions have taken advantage of Syria's political vacuum, leading to expanded incursions. "Israel has seized new Syrian territories and is conducting extensive daily airstrikes targeting military and civilian sites in Syria," Kharrazi explained.

He added that these threats against Iran have not significantly changed, as Israel has long attempted to limit Iran's influence in the region, even under the Syrian regime. Using Syrian, Jordanian, and Iraqi airspace to carry out long-range strikes against Iran is a strategy that has persisted. "These threats remain consistent, and we must resist them. We possess the capability to confront and respond to such threats, as we have done before," he affirmed.

Israeli-Western threats to overthrow Islamic Republic

In light of Israeli threats against Iran's nuclear sites and the Islamic Republic itself, Kharrazi was asked if Tehran viewed said threats seriously, to which he said the notion of regime change in Iran was neither new nor surprising. He described it as a long-standing US-Israeli project dating back to the Islamic Revolution. He outlined how the US had previously attempted to topple the Islamic Republic by supporting Saddam Hussein during the Iran-Iraq War, imposing severe sanctions, and employing other hostile measures.

"These maximum pressure campaigns have all failed miserably," Kharrazi stated, adding that such claims are not novel. He stressed the importance of strength and deterrence as essential components of Iran's response to these conspiracies. "Since the revolution's inception, our path has always been one of resistance and empowerment. Our capabilities are vast, and our adversaries are well aware of our potential, both latent and active."

Israeli aggression on Yemen

Kharrazi praised the Yemeni people for their resilience and strategic ingenuity in light of Israeli and Western-led aggression on the country. "The Yemenis have defended themselves and Palestine with honor," he said, noting their success in disrupting Israeli operations in the Red Sea. Their targeting of ships heading to Israeli ports has reportedly rendered these ports non-operational and driven them toward bankruptcy, the Iranian top official added.

He further highlighted Yemen's growing military capabilities, pointing to recent hypersonic missile strikes that have directly hit Tel Aviv, causing significant damage. "The Yemenis remain steadfast, unafraid of war or Israeli and American aggression. They are defending their identity and the Palestinian cause with remarkable determination," he said.

Iran support for Lebanon, Resistance

Asked if Iran could have done more to deter Israeli escalation against Lebanon, especially amid calls for doing so in the wake of the assassination of Hezbollah Secretary-General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, Kharrazi emphasized Iran's unwavering support for Lebanon's Resistance. "We have spared no effort in supporting the Lebanese people's resistance. Everything within our power has been provided," he assured.

He acknowledged the autonomous nature of Resistance movements in Lebanon, Palestine, Yemen, and Iraq, stating that they act independently and make decisions based on their own interests. "These groups do not operate under our orders but respond to Israeli aggression as per their own calculations and priorities," he explained.

Kharrazi also expressed concern about the escalation of regional wars, warning that widespread conflict would harm all parties involved and create opportunities for external interference. However, he said, "When Iran is targeted, it is natural for us to respond, as we have consistently done so far."

US-backed Turkish-Qatari Axis?

On the issue of the US-backed Turkish-Qatari regional axis and whether it was gaining impetus, Kharrazi emphasized the complexity of the region's dynamics, rooted in a history replete with foreign interventions, revolutions, assassinations, and coups. He noted that it was too early to definitively judge recent developments, urging patience to observe how events unfold on the ground.

"The risk of confrontation among armed factions in Syria is extremely high, as is the risk of Syria's division. With multiple actors, including the US, Turkiye, and Israel, involved, these dangers remain significant," Kharrazi stated. He also raised the question of whether a new Syrian government, if successful in resolving internal issues, would remain loyal to the countries that supported it.

He concluded by stressing the unpredictability of regional developments, "There's a Persian proverb that says, ‘You must count the chicks at the end of autumn,' meaning we must wait for the dust to settle before drawing conclusions."

Iran-Trump nuclear talks

Kharrazi stated that Trump's policies remain unclear but emphasized Iran's readiness for both negotiations and resistance against pressure. "We are prepared to respond depending on the policies they pursue. They previously tried maximum pressure, which ended in failure," he explained.

He stressed patience, saying Iran would wait to see which direction Trump might take before finalizing its approach. "We are prepared for any scenario, but Trump's unpredictable character makes it difficult to anticipate his choices," Kharrazi added.

Potential Iranian reassessment of nuclear doctrine

Questioned about his recent statements to Al Mayadeen where he warned Iran might reassess its nuclear doctrine and whether "the time has come" to do so with Trump's inauguration looming on the horizon, he stressed that Iran opposed nuclear weapons but hinted at potential countermeasures. "If they take steps against us, it's natural for us to respond with proportional measures at the appropriate time," he said, leaving the door open for strategic recalibration.

Growing ties with China, multipolarity under Trump

Talking about Chinese-Iranian ties under Trump, who is a hardliner against both countries, the Iranian senior official expressed satisfaction with the progress of Iran-China relations, particularly in reducing reliance on the dollar and institutions dominated by the US, such as the IMF and World Bank.

"We commend China's efforts to diminish the dollar's dominance and promote alternative financial systems. Iran also supports engaging with emerging international systems like BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and the New Development Bank," he explained.

He stressed the importance of these steps in creating a new global order where regional powers play a significant and necessary role. "In this context, good progress has been made, and Iran strongly supports the establishment of a multipolar world order," Kharrazi concluded.

Kharrazi emphasized the importance of mechanisms like BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and the New Development Bank.

"The establishment of BRICS, allowing member states to trade in local currencies and complement each other's economies, along with organizations like Shanghai and the New Development Bank, provides countries with opportunities for borrowing and economic development," he said. These frameworks, he added, are crucial for supporting member states, which together represent a significant portion of the global population.

Russia-Iran ties developing

Kharrazi, on the other hand, highlighted the longstanding and historic nature of Iranian-Russian relations, noting their significant development in recent years.

"A strategic cooperation agreement has been prepared and will soon be signed. While each country has its own policies, leading to some differences, the focus remains on identifying mutual opportunities for collaboration," he explained.

He pointed out that, despite occasional differences, Iran and Russia have made remarkable progress and plan to expand their cooperation further. "Disagreements are natural and healthy in relationships, but what matters is leveraging common grounds for mutual benefit," he stated.

Moreover, commenting on possible tensions over the events that took place in Syria, Kharrazi dismissed the idea of strained relations, noting the shared objectives of Iran and Russia in Syria.

"Our efforts have been aligned, with both countries entering Syria to combat extremist groups like ISIS and al-Qaeda," he said. He emphasized that the defeat of these groups represents a major success for Iran, Russia, Syria, and the broader region.

He expressed hope that Syria would become a stable and secure country, enabling its people to live in peace and prosperity while resisting Israeli aggression.

Future of Iran-Saudi ties amid regional shifts

Kharrazi highlighted the positive trajectory of Saudi-Iranian relations following recent agreements and reciprocal visits between officials of both states.

"We aim for both Iran and Saudi Arabia to play a pivotal role in ensuring security, stability, and peace in the region," he said. He stressed the importance of regional cooperation, stating that "A united and capable region is the best deterrent against external threats."

He expressed optimism about significant steps being taken to enhance relations between these two major regional players.

Iran strengthens region as a whole

Kharrazi underlined Iran's central role in the region, emphasizing its strength and its commitment to peace and security.

"A strong and capable Iran has prevented enemies from attacking it. Iran's cooperation with other regional countries strengthens the region as a whole," he said.

He concluded by asserting that a powerful and united regional bloc, with Iran as a key player, would ensure long-term stability and security for all.