Islamabad: Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, has attributed the recent 12-day conflict against Iran to a ‘US-Israeli conspiracy’ that he claims was orchestrated years ago. Larijani shared these remarks during a gathering at the Iranian Embassy in Islamabad, where he met with prominent Pakistani think-tank leaders and scholars focused on regional and international peace and security.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Larijani conveyed the greetings of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution to the Pakistani people, acknowledging their support for Iran during what he described as the Israeli regime’s ‘unjust war’ against Iran. He praised the Pakistani nation for demonstrating ‘a solid and sound way of thinking’ by supporting Iran ‘with a sense of responsibility.’ Larijani extended his gratitude to Pakistan’s government, parliament, and armed forces for their support.

Highlighting the deep-rooted cultural ties as the cornerstone of Iran-Pakistan relations, Larijani emphasized, “The basis of our cooperation with Pakistan in the past and present is cultural affinity, and in the political sphere we also share intellectual unity.” He underscored the importance of the Persian language in bringing the two nations closer together, describing Pakistan as a ‘friendly, supportive, neighboring and culturally akin country.’

Larijani reflected on Pakistan’s ‘justice-seeking position’ during the eight-year war imposed on Iran, noting that the recent 12-day conflict also offered ‘various lessons.’ He stated, “It was the will of the Iranian nation that revealed itself in this war,” asserting that the Israeli regime’s expectations of defeating Iran were unmet, leaving them ‘completely disappointed.’

He further elaborated on his claims of a long-planned ‘US-Israeli conspiracy,’ citing a statement from US President Donald Trump, who allegedly said, “they had been practicing since 2003 to attack Iran’s nuclear facilities with their aircraft.” Larijani pointed out Iran’s powerful missile capabilities as having ‘overran Israel’s hollow security,’ while also acknowledging some existing shortcomings that Iran aims to address.

Larijani concluded that the conflict showcased Iran’s resolve and exposed internal disorder within the Israeli regime.