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In a wide-ranging televised interview, Larijani dismissed Western demands for limiting Iran’s missile range to under 500 kilometers as evidence that the West lacks genuine intent to reach a fair agreement.

“When they insist that our missile range must be restricted to less than 500 kilometers, it reveals that they are not interested in real negotiations,” he said.

Larijani, the secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, said Western powers are attempting to undermine Iran’s legitimate defensive capabilities under the pretext of diplomacy.

Iran’s missile program, he added, is an essential pillar of its national security and regional deterrence strategy, and that such restrictions are unacceptable.

Larijani also condemned double standards and hypocrisy by Western nations, noting that Iran has always made efforts to engage constructively in nuclear talks, while the United States and its allies continue to impose unilateral sanctions and threaten military action.

“They violated the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) themselves, and now they use mechanisms like snapback sanctions against us, which is unjust and destabilizing,” he said.

In terms of nuclear diplomacy, Larijani expressed frustration with the West’s inconsistent positions, saying Iran has demonstrated willingness to engage in constructive talks but has been met with unacceptable demands.

He called for an impartial mediation mechanism to resolve disputes, stating that such a process could rebuild trust and avoid further escalation.

He reiterated that Iran remains committed to a peaceful nuclear program and that the knowledge gained by Iranian scientists cannot be undone by sanctions or intimidation.

“Science and knowledge are not like weapons that can be taken away — they are the product of years of effort,” Larijani said.

Despite intense external pressure, Larijani underscored a message of resilience, emphasizing Iran’s determination to withstand challenges through unity and perseverance.

“These hardships are tests meant to strengthen us. With steadfastness and divine assistance, we will overcome them,” he said.

Turning to regional issues, Larijani also offered a critical assessment of Israeli strategy in the region.

He characterized the Zionist regime as limited by its small geographic size, demographic challenges, and lack of legitimacy among Arab and Muslim populations.

He said Zionist regime’s military aggression and attempts to impose dominance only fuel resentment and resistance rather than creating lasting security.

Larijani praised late Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, calling him a leader of exceptional clarity and pragmatic realism who has played a vital role in defending Lebanon and resisting Israeli aggression.

Larijani highlighted Nasrallah’s strategic acumen, noting that unlike many leaders who act on fleeting emotions or inconsistent ideologies, Nasrallah consistently revised his positions based on careful consultation with advisers, including late Iranian General Qasem Soleimani.

“He understood the art of timing — acting at the right moment — which is crucial in any political or military conflict,” Larijani said, referring to the ancient Greek concept of “Kairos,” the opportune moment to seize advantage.

This approach, he added, was evident during the 2006 war with Israel when Nasrallah refused to accept early ceasefire proposals, instead standing firm to defend Lebanese sovereignty despite intense international pressure.

He also noted Hezbollah’s significant role in the Syrian conflict, where the group’s intervention was instrumental in preserving the country at a critical juncture.

Although Hezbollah paid a heavy price in lives and political cost, Larijani said its involvement was necessary to prevent further regional chaos and to counter extremist groups threatening both Syria and Lebanon.

Larijani emphasized that Hezbollah is more than a militant faction; it represents a deeply rooted ideological movement supported by broad sectors of Lebanese society.

He said attempts by Israel and its allies to weaken Hezbollah through targeted assassinations or military campaigns have failed because the group’s strength lies in its popular base and ideological commitment.

Drawing parallels, Larijani said Iran’s nuclear program has similarly endured and grown stronger in the face of sanctions and international pressure.

“When knowledge and expertise are targeted, they only deepen and expand,” he said, underscoring Iran’s determination to continue scientific and technological advancement despite Western attempts to stifle it.

Addressing the situation in Iraq, Larijani said the US and the UK created and strengthened resistance movements as a direct consequence of their occupation and intervention.

“You created Hezbollah in Lebanon, and now you repeat the same mistake in Iraq by fostering resistance groups,” he said, adding that foreign occupation breeds natural opposition and humiliation for the local population.

While Iran provides some support to Iraqi resistance groups, Larijani stressed that these movements arise primarily from Iraqi grievances and national sentiment, not solely from external backing.

“The people resist because they are violated and humiliated, not just because someone supports them from outside,” he added.

“Their ambitions face natural limits, and their coercive tactics are counterproductive,” he said, suggesting that US and Israeli efforts to suppress resistance movements will ultimately fail.