Talks with even infidels are possible, Iran’s security chief says

Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council has suggested that negotiations with those deemed infidels are possible, but only under the guiding principle of resistance against the demands of adversaries through non-violent means.

Ali Akbar Ahmadian argued on Tuesday that dialogue and resistance are not mutually exclusive, leaving unclear whether he was referring to the contentious issue of possible talks with the United States.

"It is even possible to negotiate with infidels," he said, "but based on what principle? It is possible to negotiate based on the principle of resistance."

He emphasized that resistance forms the foundation for understanding the Islamic concept of jihad (struggle) in its various forms.

Citing a Quranic verse, he explained that the greatest jihad involves not blindly accepting the words of adversaries.

He clarified that "not obeying" does not necessarily translate to physical conflict, but rather signifies not uncritically accepting opposing viewpoints.

Over the past three months, calls for negotiations with Washington have grown in Iran as Tehran officials and commentators worry that US President Donald Trump may escalate economic sanctions. In recent weeks, former Foreign Minister and current aide to President Pezeshkian, Mohammad Javad Zarif, has come under increasing attacks by hardliners who accuse him of proposing negotiations with the Trump administration.

Emphasizing the need for careful judgment, Ahmadian suggested that listening to adversaries' arguments is acceptable only when they align with one’s own principles. He warned against misguided compromises, stressing the importance of standing firm when necessary.

Ahmadian's remarks echoed those of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in late January, when he implicitly endorsed negotiations but firmly warned officials to uphold Iran's positions.

Without elaborating, he highlighted the role of reason in choosing the lesser of two harms and the greater of two benefits.