TEHRAN -- Ali Akbar Velayati, a senior advisor to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, reaffirmed Iran’s steadfast commitment to defending its legitimate rights in scientific development, particularly in the field of peaceful nuclear energy. His comments came in response to the recent 12-day military aggression led by the Israeli regime and supported by the United States.
Velayati emphasized that, despite Western and Israeli efforts to undermine the nation’s progress, Iran would not relinquish its right to advance scientifically and technologically. The aggression, he noted, was justified by the Israeli-U.S. alliance under the guise of a resolution from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which had been formulated under intense Western pressure.
The senior advisor reaffirmed Iran’s resolve, stating that the nation would continue its pursuit of scientific and technological independence, including its missile program and enrichment activities, within its borders. He declared that “no power can prevent the Iranian nation from achieving its legitimate rights.”
Velayati underscored the Islamic Republic’s intent to pursue legal and diplomatic avenues to address the crimes committed during the aggression, including through the United Nations. 
He denounced the actions of Israel and the United States as clear violations of international law, calling on the UN to recognize both as aggressors and to take punitive action, including compensating Iran for both material and moral damages incurred.
“The Iranian nation has always stood firm against pressure, threats, and aggression, and will never surrender,” Velayati stated, reiterating the country’s determination to advance its scientific and technological capabilities without compromise.
The advisor stressed that Iran’s determination to preserve its national dignity and rights remains unshakable, adding that the country would continue to push forward with greater resolve in the face of external pressures.