On July 7 local time, American conservative commentator and former Fox News host Tucker Carlson released a video of his recent online interview with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on a social platform.
In the interview, Carlson asked Pezeshkian about the subsequent developments of the Iran-Israel conflict, Iran's nuclear program, Iran's relations with Israel and the United States, and his views on regional situations. Pezeshkian directly expressed views such as "having suffered an assassination attempt by Israel" and "the United States should not be dragged into this war by Israel."
The following is a transcript of the interview based on a video by Bilibili UP主 Dang Xixi, which is provided for readers' reference only and does not represent the position of Observer Net.
[Translation/Observer Net Guo Han, Zheng Lehuan]
Carlson: Mr. President, thank you very much for accepting this interview. The US-Iran war has paused or seems to have paused. What do you think this conflict will end like? What kind of conclusion do you hope to see?
Pezeshkian: We did not provoke this war, nor do we want it to continue in any form. "National unity, peaceful world" has always been my motto when I took office - focusing on national unity internally, and striving to establish peaceful and friendly relations with neighboring countries and countries around the world.
Carlson: President Trump said that the US bombed Iran's nuclear facilities, citing the reason that the Iranian government refused to abandon its nuclear program and claimed that peace would never be achieved as long as Iran does not abandon its nuclear program. Would you be willing to give up your nuclear program for the sake of peace?
Tucker Carlson, former Fox News host, interviews Iranian President Pezeshkian, screenshot of the video
Pezeshkian: I want to tell you that since 1984, Netanyahu has been manufacturing this false concept, claiming that Iran seeks nuclear weapons and implying that Iran once tried to develop nuclear weapons, making every subsequent US president wary, causing them to believe that we desire to possess nuclear weapons.
But the fact is, we have never sought to develop nuclear weapons, neither in the past, nor now, nor in the future, because such actions are wrong and contradict the religious decrees issued by the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Our continuous cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) demonstrates this; they continuously conduct inspections and confirm that Iran has never sought nuclear weapons. Unfortunately, this cooperation has been hindered by illegal attacks on our nuclear facilities.
Carlson: So, I suppose the outside world cannot know how much enriched uranium you are refining and to what extent, so is there a possibility of verification? Are you willing for other countries to confirm that you are not developing nuclear weapons?
Pezeshkian: Mr. Carlson, I would like you to note this fact: we were negotiating with the United States at that time, and the US president invited us precisely to promote peace. During the negotiations and talks, we were told that as long as the US does not approve, Israel would not attack you. The US and Iran will soon hold the next round of negotiations, but just halfway through the negotiations, Israel suddenly destroyed the negotiation process. When the attack happened, we were sitting at the negotiation table, but Israel completely ruined the diplomatic efforts.
Regarding the monitoring or supervision of our nuclear program, we have always been ready to face inspections, and we are always prepared to accept these supervisions. However, unfortunately, due to the illegal attacks on our nuclear facilities by the US, many equipment and factories have been severely damaged, so we are unable to obtain any related information unless this visit can return to the site, otherwise we can only wait for the results and assess the extent of the damage to carry out subsequent supervisory work.
Carlson: There are news reports that you or the Iranian government believe that the IAEA has engaged in espionage activities against Iran and passed intelligence to Israel. Do you believe this? If so, do you have concrete evidence to show the public that this is true?
Pezeshkian: I want to tell everyone that we indeed had some concerns about the activities of the IAEA, because we realized that Israel might obtain relevant information through these inspection processes, but this has never affected our allowing the IAEA to normally conduct inspections within Iran. They have complete control over the supervision and monitoring of our nuclear facilities, but distrust has always existed.
The latest report from the IAEA and its writing method, to some extent, provided an excuse for the Israeli regime, paving the way for its illegal and unauthorized attacks on Iran's nuclear facilities. Even after everything happened, the IAEA did not condemn these attacks, nor did they take any measures to prevent the situation from escalating. This violates international law, leading to widespread distrust of the IAEA in Iran, both in the legislative institutions and in public opinion.
Carlson: You mentioned that you hope to resolve the conflict with the United States through diplomatic means, but the outbreak of the war made these efforts futile. Are you willing to restart diplomatic dialogue? Can you briefly explain the framework of the negotiation agreement that Iran can accept?
Pezeshkian: I believe that we can easily resolve our differences and contradictions with the United States through dialogue and negotiations, with international law serving as the framework or basis to ensure that the rights of all countries, including Iran, are respected.
Unfortunately, it was Netanyahu who destroyed these diplomatic efforts. Our position has always been consistent, seeking nothing more than respect for our rights, the legitimate rights solemnly recorded in international law.
As I said, it was Netanyahu who brought turmoil to this region, provoking incidents and escalating tensions. As I have always emphasized, we have always pursued peace. This saying is my belief and my sincere view: In the brief and limited time granted to us by the Almighty, we should live in peace and harmony with everyone. Everyone in the world should live in peace.
At the same time, I would like to reiterate: Our people are fully capable of defending themselves against any form of attack. I believe the President of the United States can well guide this region and the world towards peace and tranquility, or alternatively, lead it into endless wars.
At night on July 1st local time, Yemen's Houthi movement claimed to have used hypersonic missiles to attack Ben-Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, Israel, and air raid sirens were sounded in Jerusalem.
Carlson: Do you have plans to resume negotiations with the US side, including US Middle East envoy Steve Wittkow or other individuals? If the two sides fail to achieve negotiations, what consequences do you think will occur?
Pezeshkian: We believe resuming negotiations is no problem. But before that, I must remind you, due to the atrocities committed by the Zionist regime, which I mean Israel, not only against my country, but also against the entire region, the Iranian people are facing a survival crisis, and we must overcome it.
Our commanders were not on duty at that time, they were having dinner with their families, but were killed. According to international law, this is a war crime, as I said, these people were killed while off-duty, our scientists and their families (including wives and children) were also killed and assassinated, they even killed pregnant women and children, victims fell into the blood of the Israeli regime's brutal attacks. To eliminate one person, they blew up an entire building, many innocent people died as a result.
As I said, we must overcome this crisis, and resuming negotiations is conditional, requiring a plan. How can we trust the US again? If we resume negotiations, how can we ensure that during the negotiations, the Israeli regime will not get permission to attack us again from the US?
Carlson: Do you think the Israeli government tried to assassinate you?
Pezeshkian: They did try. They took some actions, but ultimately failed. As a devout believer, I believe that the fate of a person's life and death is in the hands of the Almighty. If it is God's will, you may suddenly die while walking freely on the street.
But I want to tell you, to defend my country, to maintain the independence, freedom, and sovereignty of the country, I am not afraid to sacrifice myself, I am willing to give my life, to spill my blood.
In Iran, no government official is afraid to give their life on the post of protecting the country, but can conflict bring security to this region? Only blood, more blood, assassinations, and killing others, can this bring peace, tranquility, and stability to the region?
Carlson: How did you know that you were targeted for assassination a half a month ago? I haven't seen any related reports, how can you be sure they wanted to assassinate you?
Pezeshkian: Of course, the masterminds behind the attempt to assassinate me are not the United States, but Israel. I was attending a meeting earlier, and we were discussing how to respond next. Due to the intelligence provided by the spies planted by the enemy, Israel attempted to bomb the area where we were holding the meeting.
But as I said earlier, the lifespan of a person is determined by fate, we are not afraid of martyrdom, we are willing to sacrifice our lives. This is crucial for our people, concerning our independence and autonomy.
I want to tell everyone that the war imposed by the Israeli regime will only bring one result - that is, greater unity among the Iranian people. This once again proves that the Iranian people, wherever they are in the world, deeply care about the sovereignty and territorial integrity of their homeland.
As I mentioned earlier, this aggressive act by the Israeli regime has instead made us more united. My proposal is that the US government should avoid getting involved in a war that is not their own. This is not a war for Americans, it is Netanyahu's war, he is carrying out his sinister conspiracy in the region. He has his own inhumane goals, namely endless wars, continuous flames of war.
My advice to the United States: don't be deceived by Netanyahu, don't get involved in this war.
IAEA Director General Grossi said that despite the US air strikes, Iran has the ability to restart uranium enrichment activities within a few months. Video screenshot
Carlson: Many Americans are afraid of Iran. You say you are not afraid, but Americans are afraid of Iran, they believe Iran intends to launch a nuclear strike against the US.
They see videos where Iranians call the US "Great Satan" and shout anti-American slogans. What do you think about this? Should we fear Iran?
Pezeshkian: I firmly believe that anyone who has such an impression of Iran or the Iranian people is extremely wrong. I want to remind you that Iran has never invaded another country in the past 200 years.
When they say "Down with America," it is not that they want to defeat the American people, or even not targeting American officials, it means eliminating crimes, eradicating killings and violence, ending incitement to murder, and eliminating unstable factors.
Have you ever heard of any Iranian killing an American? Or any Iranian committing a terrorist attack against the US?
No, the president of the United States himself admitted that Americans here created the extremist group "Islamic State" (ISIS), and they are responsible for distorting the image of our religion, and for the wrong portrayal of Muslim communities around the world. I want to emphasize again and remind you that this is not a threat against the American people or officials, but to eliminate crimes and violence, to eliminate bullying, to eliminate forceful oppression, and to eliminate anyone who becomes an accomplice to the Jews' brutality.
Carlson: Two Iranian ayatollahs issued a fatwa against Trump, what does this mean? What do you think of this matter?
Pezeshkian: As far as I know, they did not issue any decree or fatwa against any individual or Trump. First of all, this has nothing to do with the Iranian government or the Supreme Leader of Iran. What they actually issued was a condemnation of acts that desecrate religion or religious figures, they clearly stated that such acts are abhorrent and unacceptable. This is not directed at the US president or any individual. People may have their own thoughts and opinions, but I can assure you that this fatwa should not be interpreted as a threat to individuals.
Carlson: Did Iran ever plot to assassinate Trump?
Pezeshkian: Netanyahu is actually trying to imply this, trying to make the American people or your president believe it. But this is not correct, because as I said, Netanyahu has his own agenda, he is trying to drag the US into an endless war, bringing more turbulence to the region.
Carlson: There are a considerable number of Iranian nationals living in the United States, some say they are "undercover agents," "terrorists" acting under the instructions of your government. Are you willing to now make a statement to Iranians living in the United States, urging them not to commit acts of violence within the US?
Pezeshkian: What you told me is something I first heard from others. Iranians are known for their scholarship, scientific spirit, and elegant and civilized behavior. What different view do you have of them? Have you seen them take any other actions or violent acts? Has anyone seen them doing such things?
As I said, this is exactly what Israel is trying to implant in your minds. You imply that Iranians may have the ability to do such things, but this is completely untrue. Because Iranians by nature love peace and tranquility.
Israel is trying in some way to influence the thoughts of American decision-makers and the public, trying to use intimidation tactics to get them involved in the war in our region, a war that brings no benefits to the United States.
Carlson: Just before the Iranian Islamic Revolution, Iran maintained diplomatic relations with Israel, and there were trade relations between the two sides, reportedly even purchasing arms from Israel. What happened later? How did this relationship change? Who changed this relationship, and why?
Pezeshkian: Israel is also to blame, look at their actions in Palestine, in Gaza, in the past few years. Netanyahu's actions, killing women and children, bombing schools, hospitals, and civilian residential areas, is a clear case of mass genocide.
They prevented food and medicine from entering Gaza, cutting off all humanitarian aid channels. This has seriously affected the perception of Israel by our country and other countries in the Middle East. This is entirely self-inflicted, their actions in the region are unacceptable.
Israeli media recently revealed that the Chief of Staff of the Israeli Army, Eyal Zamir, had a heated argument with Prime Minister Netanyahu over the relocation of residents in northern Gaza
As far as I know, we have never received any weapons from Israel. I want to say that even in that (pre-revolution) period, we did not want to possess nuclear weapons, nor did we want to go to war. We did not want to fight with the Iraqi people, it was a war forced upon us, just like this war was forced upon us by the Israeli regime. Iran did not attack Israel, it was they who attacked us.
Carlson: Can you imagine what the scene would be after diplomatic negotiations with the United States: if American companies reinvest in Iran, sanctions are lifted, and the whole region achieves peace. Is this your goal? Do you think this is possible?
Pezeshkian: From the beginning of this government, I have been committed to uniting domestic consensus and enhancing unity among the Iranian people. Then we tried to improve relations with neighboring countries of Iran. After that, I held talks with the Supreme Leader of Iran, who emphasized that there are no restrictions for American investors coming to Iran, even today. Iran has never set limits for them, never prohibited them from entering, this is the belief of the Supreme Leader of Iran.
But I still have to say, Israel does not want to see this happen in the Middle East. Israel does not want to see peace and stability in the region. I will reiterate again, President Trump has the ability to lead the region towards a peaceful and bright future, making Israel recognize its place; or else it will suffer the consequences and fall into an abyss or a swamp. Netanyahu wants to drag the United States or President Trump into this war. Therefore, whether to choose the path I mentioned earlier depends on the President of the United States. I have said before, there are no restrictions on American business investment in Iran, if there are, it is the US sanctions rather than our doing.
Carlson: Mr. President, my last question is, if the US and Iran are drawn into a larger-scale war, will Iran receive military and economic assistance from Russia and China?
Pezeshkian: We have always believed in the Lord, the Lord is our belief. We have the capability to defend ourselves, and we will resolutely safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country, fighting to the last drop of blood. As I have repeatedly emphasized, we do not want to engage in warfare, we have no intention of developing nuclear weapons. This wrong impression, this distorted mindset formed in the minds of US decision-makers and officials, is the evil conspiracy orchestrated by Netanyahu and the Israeli regime. The President of the United States must realize that another war breaking out in the Middle East will deepen the turmoil. It is not in the interest of the United States to let the situation develop in this direction. Instead, they need to choose peace and tranquility, which is consistent with what I, my government, and the Iranian nation are pursuing.
As I said, I believe the President of the United States has the ability to restrain the Israeli regime and Netanyahu, replacing the war fever, conflicts, and bloodshed with peace and tranquility.
Carlson: Mr. President, thank you very much for taking the time today to clarify your position.
Pezeshkian: Thank you for giving me this opportunity to express my heart. I wish peace and tranquility not only for the American people and their officials, but also for the entire world, especially the people of this land where I was born and raised.
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