“Knowledge cannot be destroyed; Iran will retain scientific expertise in nuclear technology”
With the fog of war settling down, West Asia is seeing some some peace – at least for now. However, both Israel and Iran continue to remain at loggerheads. To understand Iran’s perspective, Mark Kinra spoke to Dr. Ali Omidi, Professor of International Relations, University of Isfahan, Iran
Excerpts:
Do you think the US deliberately got involved in the Israel-Iran war?
In my view, the escalation of the war was inevitable and eventually reached a critical point that compelled U.S. involvement. Initially, the U.S. appeared to believe that Israel would accomplish its objectives independently. However, as the situation evolved and it became evident that Israel had not achieved its goals, the U.S. felt compelled to step in.
What external support did Iran receive during the so called 12-day war?
Iran’s primary allies—Russia and China—did not provide the strategic support that was crucial during the 12-day skirmish. This lack of response, particularly from China, revealed its reluctance to get involved and suggests it will likely continue to remain on the sidelines in the future. Consequently, Iran is expected to rely more heavily on its domestic capabilities to meet its defense needs.
What did common Iranians think about Israel’s Psy-war and its obsession about Iran?
Among Iranian nationals, opinions on the war are divided. Some believe Iran’s long-standing antagonistic stance toward Israel and the U.S. contributed to this conflict. Others argue that Israel is the true aggressor, especially after the events following the October 7, 2023 attacks. Since then, Israel has targeted Iranian allies—Hamas, Hezbollah in Lebanon, forces in Syria, the Houthis in Yemen—and now Iran itself.
Israel appears to have three objectives: to dismantle Iran’s peaceful nuclear program, to neutralize its missile deterrence capability, and to eliminate what it perceives as the Iranian threat to Zionism and the Israeli state. These actions are justified by Israel under the guise of an “existential threat,” and regime change in Iran seems to be a preferred outcome.
In response, Iranian society has largely rallied around the national flag, presenting a united front against what is widely seen as Israeli aggression. While Israel anticipated that its strikes would mobilize Iranian citizens against their own regime, there is neither evidence nor a credible analytical basis to support this assumption.
Do you think Iranian regime’s approval has increased among Iranian people as a result of this skirmish?
There is a political divide within Iranian society — some [sections] support the government, while others do not, much like in any other country. However, the general sentiment appears to be that [Israeli] Prime Minister Netanyahu is responsible for widespread destruction—through alleged genocide in Palestine and chaos in Lebanon—and cannot credibly advocate for democracy and freedom [in Iran].
Israel’s attacks on Iran have been perceived as violations of Iranian sovereignty and national pride, fostering a sense of unity among Iranians. This unity, however, should not be interpreted as an endorsement of the government, but rather as an expression of patriotism and a defense of national integrity. The war was imposed on Iran, and in this context, the Iranian government is not the initiator.
How much damage has happened to Iran’s nuclear ambitions? Do you think Iran will continue to pursue its nuclear dream?
Regarding Iran’s nuclear program, I don’t believe it has been destroyed. While the pace of progress may have slowed and some damage may have occurred, there are no official reports detailing the extent of damage at sites like Fordow, Natanz, or Isfahan. As many have noted, knowledge cannot be destroyed—Iran retains its scientific expertise in nuclear technology. Progress may be delayed, but it is far from undone.
Do you think ceasefire will be maintained ?
I believe both Iran and Israel will likely maintain a ceasefire, as there is little political appetite to prolong the conflict. The costs of war outweigh the benefits, particularly for Israel, which remains dependent on U.S. support. The U.S. President Donald Trump has instructed Israel to de-escalate and prioritize peace.
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