An Iranian academic and former nuclear adviser has warned that Iran is preparing for a major U.S. military assault while accusing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of directing American foreign policy and worsening the global economic crisis.
Seyed M. Marandi, a professor at the University of Tehran and former adviser to Iran's nuclear negotiation team, stated that recent nuclear talks in Islamabad failed due to U.S. intransigence influenced by Netanyahu and pro-Israel lobbying. "The belief was that Netanyahu was the person in charge and that the Zionist lobby was dictating terms to the United States government," Marandi said.
He claimed Iran participated in negotiations primarily to demonstrate willingness to resolve the conflict, knowing an attack was imminent. "Just like before this war, Iran knew there would be attack," Marandi stated.
Marandi made extraordinary claims about Netanyahu's influence over U.S. officials, including Vice President Vance. "Netanyahu himself said that Vance reports to me and so do other American officials every day they report to me which I find extraordinary," he said, adding that Netanyahu has been "impeding any easing of the global economic crisis and he's making it worse faster."
Despite economic pressure, Marandi revealed that Iran has significant financial reserves. "The Iranians have been putting a lot aside a lot of money during the last few years especially in gold. But also the Iranians have made a lot of money during the past few months ever since the United States began increasing its presence in the region," he said.
"The Iranians are expecting a major assault and they are preparing day and night," Marandi stated, noting that Iran is reorganizing both defensive and offensive capabilities.
Marandi warned that Iran may respond to continued blockade by striking ships and blocking key maritime chokepoints. He specifically noted the vulnerability of the United Arab Emirates. "The Iranians if there's war that would mean that the like for the UAE just it'll be finished," Marandi stated. "If UAE's infrastructure is destroyed it'll be the end and it can it's a tiny country and it can be destroyed very swiftly within a day."
The Iranian academic outlined Tehran's definition of victory. "What Iran would define as victory is the United States backing down and the Iranians preserving their rights and Iran's allies in the region having protection," he said.
Marandi concluded that only significant economic pressure on the U.S. could change the situation, forcing American officials "to prioritize America over Israel."
