Majlessi: Major powers must contain Israel and propose a plan to end the Israeli-Iranian military conflict
Fereydoun Majlessi supports the idea of a Middle Eastern consortium as a way to resolve the most pressing issue of the American-Iranian negotiations - the Iranian nuclear programme
Arman Melli, 16 June 2025:
Arman Melli — Political Section: After decades of speculation and analysis of the Iran–Israel conflict, this has finally happened. The Israeli regime attacked our citizens and infrastructure without considering international law, resulting in significant financial and human losses.
Iran responded to the Israelis with greater force, and the news shows that, for the first time, we have witnessed greater destruction in the occupied territories, causing a terrible increase. Prisoners have also brought Iran's infrastructure to the fore, and for this reason, we must be prepared for the event at any moment. We held a conversation with an international analyst on this matter. In this interview, Fereydoon Majlessi argues that diplomacy could help to end the war, and he also predicts a significant breakthrough that could resolve the conflict. Read the rest of the interview.
Iranian and Israeli operations are ongoing, and it seems that these conflicts will continue to cause destruction. What do your assessments show?
This war has been predicted for a long time, but we had always hoped that it wouldn't happen. Previously, the most significant Israeli action against Iran was the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, a Hamas leader who was a guest in Iran. However, this escalation is seen as the culmination of a pre-existing Israeli government plan to attack Iranian positions. The Israeli government has always sought to surprise Tehran in its wars with Hezbollah, the Houthis and Hamas. In the meantime, it came up with two excuses for attacking Tehran.
One reason was the recent 60-day election period, which the government wanted to conclude during negotiations with Tehran after the attack. The second was the approval of a resolution by the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna that condemned Iran under international law. They believe that Iran's nuclear energy could be used for military purposes. In a surprise military operation, Israel attacked commanders, students and ordinary people, resulting in damage and destruction. This outrageous action was met with a strong reaction from Iran. Following the Iranian attack, Israel realised that the Iron Dome, which they had been discussing for years, was incapable of countering the threat. Despite neutralising the projectiles, they could not prevent them from hitting their targets. The fact that Iranian missiles hit deep inside Israel showed Israel what Iran was capable of.
How did Israel respond to the Iranian attacks?
Iran's attacks increased Israel's aggressiveness, and they began to consider attacking Iran's economic infrastructure. If this trend continues, it will lead to human and economic losses, and the region will once again experience a wave of violence and negative reactions.
How does this war threaten other countries?
The conflict initiated by Israel is not in the interest of any of the countries in the region, big or small. This is why the United States has once again suggested that Iran return to negotiations. In my opinion, the responsibility of major countries such as China, the United States, Russia and Europe is now to rein in the Israeli regime and reduce tensions. They may even be able to reach a permanent agreement by controlling this excessive regime and eradicating the evil of this long-standing crisis and challenge. Personally, I favour negotiations and peace. Iran has now taken revenge for Israel's initial attack, in which Iranian commanders and citizens were killed, and has demonstrated its ability to respond to Israeli aggression. We must prevent further damage to the country by any means necessary.
Many believe that, in times of war, diplomacy can support countries and nations. Can we expect diplomacy to intervene in this case?
We must add that diplomacy can be useful at all times and in all areas, and in fact, it is a means of preventing war. Iran has rightly declared that there is no room for negotiation while this war continues. In such cases, major countries with the ability to control Israel cannot absolve themselves of responsibility and must take action to prevent this regime from continuing its crimes. First, these world powers must have a plan to contain Israel, and then propose measures to end the conflict. While it is true that dialogue can be held in any situation, the dialogue must serve the national interest.
Israel attacked commanders, scientists and ordinary citizens by surprise, resulting in deaths and destruction. This outrageous action was met with a strong response from Iran.
What options do we have to resolve the nuclear issue?
I believe that commercialising nuclear energy means forming a consortium in which other regional countries also play a role in order to utilise nuclear power plant fuel. Currently, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Iraq, Egypt and others are active in the nuclear field. By creating a consortium, they can continue their nuclear activities and resolve this issue.
Many are waiting for direct intervention from Russia and China — could this be implemented?
Beijing has demonstrated that it is not influenced by friendships with other countries and does not approach large countries such as Russia. China's relations with all countries are serious and based on international agreements, and this will continue. Iran also has economic relations with China, but what is important to China is the regional situation, which could jeopardise its interests due to unrest and tension. Therefore, if sanctions on Iran are lifted, many countries will have the opportunity to invest. China and other countries, such as Russia, want to exploit Iran's rich resources. It is also worth noting that Russia is attempting to enter the field as a mediator. However, given the proximity of Tehran and the Kremlin, we cannot rely on Russia's plans as much as we should, as they are also seeking their own benefits.
In this regard, could you please tell us about the role of Europe and the United States in this war? Will they play a role?
Rest assured that neither the United States nor Europe intends to enter the war with Iran directly. Experience has shown that European and American countries provide Israel with military weapons so that it can continue its attacks against Iran. We have witnessed war and surprise, and for this reason, a strong response was given. Israel seeks to engulf Iran in fire and does not care if it turns the region into Gaza. Those who support war are seeking illegitimate interests that will lead to the destruction of countries. This is why some support Israel.
What is the position of Palestinians and groups such as Hamas in these conflicts?
The Palestinians are content with the destruction and damage inflicted on Israel. They believe that they can regain their lands in the West Bank once the Gaza issue has been resolved. [The main issue for Iran is returning to peace and tranquillity, lifting sanctions with the mediation of major countries, and preventing irreparable damage.]