Ali Larijani Quotes

"The Islamic republic is a tough target and there would be heavy consequences."

"We have not closed the path to compromise. In principle I believe some complicated international issues can be best solved through talks."

"We recommend them to avoid lose-lose game and instead seize the option of win-win to serve security of the region. If they opt for language of force, we will stand. The US has done so in the past 27 years, but, to no avail."

"If the case goes to the Security Council, we're obliged ... to lift all voluntary measures."

"They should expect us to take reciprocal action. There is no winning for them in this game."

"We agreed members of the [Non-Proliferation Treaty] have right [sic] to peaceful nuclear energy."

"We still advise [the EU countries] to pursue this issue through constructive and serious negotiations. The doors for negotiations are still open. We consider a referral to the UN Security Council or a report to the Security Council to be the end of diplomacy and this is not positive."

"If they think that we are going to surrender by threats of being referred to the (UN) Security Council, they are making a mistake."

"We advise them not to use these kinds of methods, because we have the the means to respond."

"We will [appoint] some people to hold these discussions on Iraq so that they can help put Iraq's future government in a better position to deal with problems."

"In talks with the European foreign ministers, we were at odds on only one issue, that was suspension of research-related activities."

"A moratorium is needed if something dangerous exists. We are at the research stage and all our activities are transparent."

"If the case was referred or reported to the Security Council, we will have to restart all voluntarily suspended work and stop the implementation of the additional protocol (of the nuclear Non- Proliferation Treaty)."

"This dual standard is detrimental to international security."