The first World Para Alpine Skiing and snowboard competition held in Dizin, Tehran.

From Tuesday (3 January), Iran host three events in the Alborz mountain range near Tehran featuring around 10 Iranian athletes. These mark the first time Iran will host World Alpine Skiing and World Para Snowboard competitions and were a culmination of a talent identification programme held in the Asian nation two years ago.

The first event – a World Para Snowboard sanctioned event in Dizin – will take place 3-4 January; followed by two World Para Alpine Skiing competitions in Darbandsar (8-9 January) and then Dizin (16-17 January).

“We began and also continue planning to support athletes’ activities in winter sports through participation in Nagano 1998, Salt Lake City 2002, Torino 2006, Vancouver 2010, and Sochi 2014,” NPC Iran Secretary General Masoud Ashrafi said.

“For the last two years we tried to develop, encourage and attract more athletes to winter sports in our country. At this time, we are hosting three winter sports events in Iran, which is the result of our efforts to develop winter sports with the help of World Para Alpine Skiing and World Para Snowboard.”

 

The first ever World Para Alpine Skiing and snowboard events will come to Iran in January, signifying the development of winter sports in the country.

Motivated by the next two Paralympic Winter Games being held in Asia, the National Paralympic Committee (NPC) of Iran has taken quick steps to develop winter Para sports in the country, paralympic.org reported.

From Tuesday (January 3), Iran will host three events in the Alborz mountain range near Tehran featuring around 10 Iranian athletes. These mark the first time Iran will host World Alpine Skiing and World Para Snowboard competitions and were a culmination of a talent identification program held in the Asian nation two years ago.

“We began and also continue planning to support athletes’ activities in winter sports through participation in Nagano 1998, Salt Lake City 2002, Torino 2006, Vancouver 2010, and Sochi 2014,” NPC Iran Secretary General Masoud Ashrafi said.

“For the last two years we tried to develop, encourage and attract more athletes to winter sports in our country. At this time, we are hosting three winter sports events in Iran, which is the result of our efforts to develop winter sports with the help of World Para Alpine Skiing and World Para Snowboard.”

The first event — a World Para Snowboard sanctioned event in Dizin — will take place on January 3 and 4; followed by two World Para Alpine Skiing competitions in Darbandsar (January 8 and 9) and then Dizin (January 16 and 17).

The competitions are modeled on other winter Para sport competitions, including athlete classification. Education and training workshops will also run alongside each event, aimed at strengthening coaches and officials in Iran. Ultimately, the NPC hopes the January events will lay a platform for development ahead of PyeongChang 2018, Beijing 2022 and beyond.

“In the future we will witness the attraction of more athletes to winter sports and we will have the chance to hold regional and international winter Championships,” Ashrafi said about his expectations of January’s competitions.

Head of World Para Snow Sports Dimitrije Lazarovski and two international classifiers will be present to share their knowledge on how to develop winter sports.

With well-known ski resorts in Dizin and Darbandsar, NPC Iran understands its potential to host future international competitions and especially develop its own athletes in winter sports.

“Iran has more than a million kilometers of mountains and many parts of them are used as ski resorts, so athletes in our country can ski more than six months in a year,” Ashrafi said.

The Dizin resort has been around for 47 years and is recognized by the International Ski Federation (FIS), while the Darbandsar resort was established in 1991. Both are popular attractions for thousands of winter sports enthusiasts throughout the country.

Mount Tochal is a mountain in the Alborz range, adjacent to metropolitan Tehran. The mountain has a 12 km long ridge-line. The highest peak is Mount Tochal with an elevation of 3,964 m (13,005 feet). A gondola lift runs from Tehran to Tochal Ski Resort and a modern hotel.

The resort has two-chair lifts and one T-bar. There are seven stations on the telecabin route; Tochal ski resort is located at the seventh station. There are the restaurants at fifth and the seventh stations, and a nice hotel called Tochal Hotel at the base of the resort 3550m, with 30 rooms and suites. Depending on the climate and the amount of snowfall, the ski season usually starts in November and lasts until April or even June.

Tochal Ski Resort

Know more about Tochal. Weather, accommodation, skiing opportunity and tour reservation.
Mount Tochal is a mountain in the Alborz range, adjacent to metropolitan Tehran. The mountain has a 12 km long ridge-line. The highest peak is Mount Tochal with an elevation of 3,964 m (13,005 feet). A gondola lift runs from Tehran to Tochal Ski Resort and a modern hotel.

The resort has two-chair lifts and one T-bar. There are seven stations on the telecabin route; Tochal ski resort is located at the seventh station. There are the restaurants at fifth and the seventh stations, and a nice hotel called Tochal Hotel at the base of the resort 3550m, with 30 rooms and suites. Depending on the climate and the amount of snowfall, the ski season usually starts in November and lasts until April or even June.

»also check out Tochal Resort’s Official Website

Tochal Telecabin (gondola lift)

Tochal Telecabin is probably the world’s longest gondola lift lines with a length of 7500m. The project started in 1974 and has been open to the public since 1978. It starts at the Velenjak valley in north of Tehran at an altitude of 1900 m. and ends at the last station at an altitude of 3740 m., near the main ridge of Mount Tochal. This gondola lift is used for accessing ski resorts and other recreational centers on the mountain. Beautiful landscape, mountain fresh air and a multitude of fresh water springs adds to the freshness of the area. With upgrading the safety standards of telecabin lines, families and sportspeople can enjoy the telecabin ride and other facilities with joy and pleasure.

The gondola lift has four stations
Station 1 is at an elevation of 1900 m. and located at the beginning of Velenjak valley (end of Velenjak Street). Parking, inns and some other facilities are available.
Station 2 is at 2400 m. and has very limited facilities.
Station 5 is at 2935 m. There is a restaurant and a rescue center. This station is in the middle of one of the ski slopes which is open only in mid-winter but rarely used. This station is also accessible through several climbing paths like Shirpala shelter, Osoon valley and Palang-chal shelter. In order to get to Station 7 you have to change here.
Station 7 is at 3740 m. and very close to the Tochal main ridge. It is the last station of the gondola lift. This station is in the middle of the Tochal ski slope. The Tochal main peak is a 30-minute walk from this point. This station is also reachable from Hezar-cham climbing path from Station 5.
Tochal Hotel

Unique location, proper services, and mountainous natural beauty are the specialties of the Tochal Hotel. The hotel is located 3,545 meters above the sea.

Iran ski season starts from late November till April dependent on the weather condition in Iran. There are some good ski resorts in Iran. The best and most popular Iran ski resort is Dizin which is located in the heart of capital, north of Tehran in the Alborz Mountain Range.

Dizin is situated on the North Mountains of Tehran at Gajereh region which is 123 km by Chaloos and 71 km by Shemshak roads. As the usual route to Dizin is Chaloos you should consider about 3.5 hours reaching Dizin ski resort in the winter. The lowest point of the region is 2650 m and the highest point is 3600 meters above sea level.

It is one of the 40 highest ski resorts in the world as the highest ski lift reaches 3,600 m (11,800 ft). It includes three tele-cabins, two ski lifts, seven dish tele-skis and one Hammer tele-ski. Dizin Ski Resort has comfortable accommodation facilities such as hotels and chalets.

Iran Dizin Ski Resort

There are some good ski resorts in Iran, the best and most popular one is Dizin which is located in the heart of capital, north of Tehran in the Alborz Mountain Range. Dizin is one of the 40 highest ski resorts in the world as the highest ski lift reaches 3,600 m (11,800 ft). Also the base at around 9,000 feet is higher than the summit of many Alpine resorts. The lifts take you to an altitude of almost 12,000 feet above sea level.

Dizin, with its dry climate, boasts some of the best powder skiing in the world. Having high quality of the snow, snowboarders can have an exciting experience; it is tolerant and accepting of snowboarders. Don’t forget it has a large variety of ski runs for anyone from beginners to professional skiers, but it should be said that Dizin is geared towards the more experienced skier.

Dizin has hosted Grass Skiing World Cup where Germany, Italy, Sweden, Switzerland, Austria, Czech Republic, and Japan have participated along Iran’s national squad.
Grass ski junior world championship in tehran officially ended only after the best athletes were rewarded at ending ceremony.

Iran, Tehran- four days of competitions full of passions and excitement came to end as the ending ceremony was held at Dizin international resort.
After few speeches winners were awarded their medals accompanied with some fireworks.
Teams enjoyed a four they visit however only some of them were happy with their medals!
Photo: MNA, IRAN Ski Fed.

Dizin Ski Resort

There are some good ski resorts in Iran, the best and most popular one is Dizin which is located in the heart of capital, north of Tehran in the Alborz Mountain Range. Dizin is one of the 40 highest ski resorts in the world as the highest ski lift reaches 3,600 m (11,800 ft).  Also the base at around 9,000 feet is higher than the summit of many Alpine resorts. The lifts take you to an altitude of almost 12,000 feet above sea level. Dizin, with its dry climate, boasts some of the best powder skiing in the world. Having high quality of the snow, snowboarders can have an exciting experience; it is tolerant and accepting of snowboarders. Don’t forget it has a large variety of ski runs for anyone from beginners to professional skiers, but it should be said that Dizin is geared towards the more experienced skier.

More about dizin

The Iranian girls participated in matches for attending in IRAN national team in Kish Island, North of Persian Gulf.
40 boy and girl athletes attended in this competition in teens and adults categories on 2 days. The championship was held in Cable ski park of Kish.

Kish is a 91.5-square-kilometre resort island in the Persian Gulf. It is part of the Hormozgān Province of Iran.

More information about Kish Island

IRAN is hosting an international snowboard competition event in Dizin ski resort, north of the capital Tehran. The competition has provided ski enthusiasts to showcase their skills and talents.

Dizin ski complex is the first ski and winter sport resort in Iran which has been officially recognized and granted the title by the International Ski Federation for its capability in administrating official and international competitions.

It gained its official title for its specific physical and technical features such as the course slope, length of the course and the place where the competitions and races are to be held, as well as amenities and other recreational facilities.

The skiable are is 470 ha and the average snow depth is between 2 and 6 meters.

Dizin is a ski resort situated to the north of Tehran in Alborz mountain range at Gajereh region, and is just 71 km. (43 miles) north of Tehran, Iran.
The resort is accessible from Tehran by 2 roads, one is the upper road via Shemshak (71 Km. – This road is sometimes closed due to heavy snow) and the other one, the lower road via Karaj (120 km.).
The highest ski lift reaches 3,600 m (11,800 ft), making it one of the 40 highest ski resorts in the world.
The ski season in Dizin lasts longer than European ski resorts (from December to May) because of its high altitude.
The air is also drier than at a lot of European resorts, making for some excellent powder. The high number of sunny days makes it an excellent place for ski holidays.

Photo: Mohammad Mohaimani, Mehr

Renowned Iranian painter and educator Mahmoud Farshchian has passed away, as announced by the Academy of Arts on Saturday. He died at the age of 95 while hospitalized in the United States.

Born in the historic city of Isfahan in 1930, Mahmoud Farshchian was also a member of the Iranian Academy of Arts. His artistic journey began when his father enrolled him in the workshop of Haj Mirza Agha Emami, a prominent traditional artist. He later pursued further studies at the Isfahan School of Fine Arts under the guidance of Master Issa Bahadori.

Farshchian was the pioneer of a unique style and school within Iranian painting. While remaining true to the authentic foundations of this traditional art form, he expanded the horizons of Persian painting through innovative techniques.

Childhood: Nature, beauty, & family
Isfahan, Iran 1930
Born in Isfahan in 1930, Mahmoud Farshchian grew up in the proximity of Isfahan’s royal mosque, where the architectural masterpieces of the Safavid dynasty informed his understanding of art and beauty. No place in the world could have provided a better ambiance for the education of a traditional Persian artist. As a child, it was already clear that his life would be devoted to painting.

Ahmadabad & The Chicken House
Farshchian’s natural genius was nourished by his family’s deep appreciation for art in all its forms. Farshchian’s family home in the Ahmadabad neighborhood of Isfahan included trees, water fountains, pools, and a section called the Chicken House. His childhood memories of playing with the hens, roosters, pigeons, and sparrows are evident in his masterful depiction of their colors, feathers, and movements.
Beyond their physical appearance, Farshchian paid keen attention to their different moods and personalities. “There was this particular white rooster that was so friendly with me,” he remembers.

“I carried food for him in my pocket, and he would push his head into my pocket and eat them.”
“When a drop of light falls into the glass of a human soul, what would it create with love?”
-M.F.

Home & Family
Farshchian’s father Gholamreza was a successful Persian carpet dealer, and the home was furnished with antiques, Cretonne curtains, and many carpets woven by the masters Archang (Ahmad Hartamni) and Mirza. Father would sit, arms crossed, watching in silence for hours as his young son drew the carpets’ lines and patterns. He would just look at me from the corner of his eyes. It was then that I realized the effects of my passion for art in my life.
Farshchian’s parents shared a genuine love of God and religion. His mother Zahra would take her children to the Imamzadeh Ismael shrine near their house, where Farshchian would make pencil copies of the shrine’s many paintings of events of Karbala and Ashura. The shrine had a plane tree that was burnt from inside, an image that appears in many of Farshchian’s paintings. A pilgrimage to Karbala in the 1940s affected Farshchian deeply, as revealed in his designs for the new tomb of Imam Hussein decades later.

“I get my art-loving spirit from my father. Although he was a businessman and trader, he admired art….That’s how I developed my passion for art.”
-M.F.

Six Months of Darkness
At the age of five, Farshchian fell into the courtyard pool and almost drowned. Zahra saved his life by reaching in and pulling him out by his hair. His swirling, circular compositions reflect this harrowing near-death experience.
“I have had a brush with death and struck by the evil eye several times in my life.”
M.F.

Gholamreza and Zahra were avid readers, and together they amassed a library containing hundreds of rare books and manuscripts. Every Friday, family and friends gathered in the family home to recite The Book of Kings, Saadi, poems, and literary maxims. Once when Farshchian was six years old, he fell and hit his head running upstairs to fetch a Book of Kings from his mother’s reading shelf for his father and their guests. The accident left the young boy completely blind for six months. When the bandages came off, Farshchian experienced a psychedelic rush of colors. His vibrant, rainbow palette reflects his joy upon recovering his sight.

Education: A Young Artist in Golbahar school
Farshchian studied with the greatest masters of Persian art and literature in Isfahan. At Golbahar, the prestigious public school he attended, his teachers praised Farshchian’s artistry and encouraged him to study with Haj Mirza Agha Emami, an artist, carpet designer, and giant of Iranian Modernism. Farschian so impressed Haj Mirza with his talent, passion, and humility that he agreed to train the young student.

Haj Mirza
Haj Mirza taught Farshchian how to draw a gazelle. “When I got home, I was so excited,” Farshchian recalls. “I stayed up all night and drew about 200 gazelles: big ones, little ones….I felt like something was changing within me.” The next day, he took his portfolio to show the gazelles to Haj Mirza, who could not believe his eyes. He asked if Farshchian had drawn them all by himself or if he had traced them. “No, sir, I’d never do that. I just drew them,” Farshchian answered. Haj Mirza instructed Farshchian to draw a gazelle in his presence. After finishing quickly, Haj Mirza kissed him on the forehead and said, “You’ll become great! Work hard.”

Farshchian became Haj Mirza’s apprentice and continued to draw in pencil for four more years, mostly emulating Timurid and Safavid drawings. Then Farshchian began to study painting. Eventually, the precocious boy was helping carry out the studio’s commissions. The gazelle still holds a special place in Farshchian’s heart and appears throughout his body of work.
“I always got a perfect score, 20/20, in drawing, composition, literature, and other abstract lessons. Unfortunately, I was so untalented when it came to math.”
-M.F.

School of Fine Arts, Isfahan
Farshchian next attended the School of Fine Arts in Isfahan, where he kept the following sentence framed above his desk: “I should become a genius.” He studied miniature painting, drawing inspiration from the designs and tile patterns of Isfahan’s architectural monuments. Farshchian mastered the intricacies of pigments, binding mediums, and prepared his own brushes from white kitten hairs tied into bird quills tools so fine and flexible that he still uses them for delicate passages. Farshchian learned carpet design from the late master Issa Bahadori, who taught “with passion and love.” Farschian’ s artworks were gifted to every celebrity or diplomat who visited Iran.
Farschian also passionately studied literature, especially the poetry of Hafiz, Saadi, and Rumi. He and his friends would often attend poetry recitals at the Kamal Ismael Society, the Khakshir Society near the Jame’a Mosque, and the Poets Society behind the Chaharbagh School.

Adulthood: Around the World
First Solo Exhibition, 1948
Upon graduation from the School of Fine Arts, Farshchian held his first solo exhibition in 1948 at the Iranian-British Cultural Association’s office in Isfahan.

The Army
Like all Iranian boys, he was conscripted into the army at the age of eighteen. In awe of his artistic talent, his comrades and superiors allowed him to skip the drills so he could keep drawing and painting.

Vienna, Munich, & Paris
After performing his military service, Farshcian’s hyperpolyglot nature took him on a Grand Tour to absorb Western painting techniques. He enrolled at the Academy of Fine Art in Vienna, taking several trips to cities like Munich and Paris. Wherever he went, he would spend all his time at the museum.

“I was so passionate and thirsty….Every morning I would wait outside museums with my papers and pencils, and I’d go inside when they opened the doors, and I kept drawing and drawing….I continued working ‘till late in the afternoon when they wanted to close the doors.”
-M.F.

The Years In Between: Ostad Farshchian

The National Institute of Fine Arts, 1961
In 1961 at the age of thirty, Farshchian returned from his European tour to teach at The National Institute of Fine Arts (later The Ministry of Art and Culture).

The Department of National Arts
He organized exhibitions at the University of Tehran, where he rose to the position of Director of the Department of National Arts. He also designed carpets and worked so successfully in Syria that one of his vases was presented to Arthur Pope, the famous American scholar of Iranian art.

Istanbul, 1960: first international exhibit
Returning from one of his trips to Europe, Farshchian held exhibitions in the Chechen Sotoun Palace Museum in Isfahan, the Golestan Palace Museum, the Ministry of Art and Culture, University of Tehran, and the Museum of Ancient Iran. Farshchian’s first international exhibition was in 1960 in Istanbul, a watershed moment that sparked multiple exhibitions across the globe. His first exhibitions in the USA were in 1972 and 1973.

Istanbul, 1960: first international exhibit
Returning from one of his trips to Europe, Farshchian held exhibitions in the Chechen Sotoun Palace Museum in Isfahan, the Golestan Palace Museum, the Ministry of Art and Culture, University of Tehran, and the Museum of Ancient Iran. Farshchian’s first international exhibition was in 1960 in Istanbul, a watershed moment that sparked multiple exhibitions across the globe. His first exhibitions in the USA were in 1972 and 1973.

Family: A Husband & Father
Marriage, 1954
Friends since childhood, Mahmoud and Nia married when she was seventeen and he was twenty-four years old and welcomed two, later to become three, children. The first five years of their marriage were monumental for Farshchian’s career, as during this time she encouraged him to pursue his passion in the studio while she tended to the children, leading to his development and refinement of Surrnaturalism, the unique style for which he would be known.

Women
Farshchian drew upon his love for Nia as a constant inspiration for his work, and many of his paintings depict beautiful women in paradisiacal settings.

“I mostly draw women as angels in my work. Kind, compassionate women are indeed like angels. They are precious.”
-M.F.

The Iranian Revolution, 1979
The 1979 Iranian Revolution and tumultuous years after became a turning point for Farshchian and his family. With many friends arrested, exiled, and fleeing the country, Farshchian made the decision to leave Iran with his wife and children and began to seek out a new home.

His painting entitled “Quo Vadis/Where Are You Going?” describes the feeling that he, and 20 million other Iranians, had as friends disappeared and communities disintegrated during the revolution that would topple the last shah.

A Modern Master
America, 1983
Farshchian retired from teaching in 1980 and relocated to America with his family in 1983, settling in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, just across the Hudson River from New York City. There they raised their children and grandchildren and Farshchian continued to paint and take on projects in the U.S.A. and internationally.

Honors & Awards
He is included in Cambridge University’s list of the 2000 outstanding intellectuals of the 21st century and The European Academy of Culture’s Who’s Who in the 21st Century. Farshchian belongs to the Art and Professions Association of Italy and has received numerous awards and honorary memberships from universities and art centers across Europe and the USA.

International Acclaim
Farschian’s paintings are in the private collections of H.R.H. Queen Elizabeth II of England and Prince Philip, Queen Juliana of Netherlands, Prince Agha Khan, Crown Prince Akihito of Japan, former presidents and prime ministers of the US, France, Italy, Brazil, and India, William Fulbright, Arthur A. Pope; and Michael Jackson, among others.

There have been six books and countless articles published on his work, as he comes to be recognized as playing a decisive role in introducing Iranian art to the international art scene as well as broadening the possibilities and scope of traditional Iranian painting.

The Farshchian Museum
In 2001, The Farshchian Museum opened to the public in Isfahan. His works are also permanently installed in Farshchian Hall at The Astan Ghods Razavi Museum and in the Museum of Contemporary Arts, Mashhad.
“Art is a sacred matter. It’s a kind of worship. It’s like serving God.”
-M.F.

Farewell to Master Mahmoud Farshchian: A Heartfelt Funeral Ceremony in Isfahan

The funeral ceremony for Master Mahmoud Farshchian took place on Sunday evening, August 19, 2025, at the Isfahan School of Fine Arts. The event was attended by Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance Seyyed Abbas Salehi, along with various officials and members of the public.

The esteemed artist was laid to rest beside the grave of the renowned Iranian poet Saeb Tabrizi.

President Masoud Pezeshkian says that Iran has no problem with negotiations, but the tragedies that the Israeli regime has caused in the region and Iran have made the situation critical, stressing that Iran hopes that after passing this crisis, Iran could return to the negotiating table. “Of course, this requires one condition, and that is trust in the negotiation process. The Zionist regime should not be allowed to attack again in the middle of the negotiations.”

President Pezeshkian made the remarks in a virtual interview with American commentator and conservative talk show host Tucker Carlson, which was released on Monday.

The President said that the United States, as an ally of the Israeli regime, “must not allow Israel to ignite the region,” emphasizing that it is not Iran that seeks war but it is the Israeli regime who wants to escalate tensions in the region.

The full interview is as follows:

Carlson: Thank you, Mr. President. It seems that there is currently a pause in the conflict between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America. In your view, how will this situation ultimately end? And how would you like this conflict to be resolved?

President Pezeshkian: “We did not start the war, and we do not wish for any war to continue. From the day I assumed responsibility, my motto has been to foster unity at home and establish peace and tranquility with our neighbors and the world.”

Carlson: You speak of peace, Mr. President. On the other hand, Donald Trump, the President of the United States, believes that the recent U.S. attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities was driven by the conviction that the Islamic Republic of Iran is unwilling to abandon its nuclear program. According to Mr. Trump, achieving peace will not be possible unless Iran gives up this program. Are you willing to forgo the Islamic Republic of Iran’s nuclear program in the pursuit of peace?

President Pezeshkian: “The reality is that since 1992, Netanyahu has consistently tried to portray Iran as pursuing nuclear weapons. Every US president who has come to office has bought this lie. Netanyahu has tried to convince US presidents of this lie — that Iran is seeking a nuclear weapon. We have never pursued nuclear weapons, are not pursuing them, and will never pursue them. This is a religious edict and decree (fatwa) from the Supreme Leader, which has been corroborated by our full cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency. Unfortunately however, their recent conduct disrupted our cooperation.”

Carlson: Does this mean that you confirm the reports indicating that the Islamic Republic of Iran has ceased its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency? Under such circumstances, there would no longer be any way to determine the amount of uranium present, its enrichment level, or percentage — essentially, the international community would have no knowledge of what actions Iran is taking within the framework of its nuclear program. In your view, how can the verification process for Iran’s nuclear program be carried out from now on? And is it possible for other countries to participate in this process?

President Pezeshkian: “Mr. Carlson, we were at the negotiating table. We were in talks; the US President had asked us to engage in talks to establish peace. During those talks, we were told that without US permission, Israel would not launch any attacks. Yet, just before the sixth round — while we were still negotiating — Netanyahu practically dropped a bomb on the negotiating table and destroyed diplomacy. As for verification, we are prepared to engage in talks and agree on verification. We have never evaded verification and remain ready for its resumption. However, following the US strike on our nuclear facilities, many sites and equipment were destroyed and are not easily accessible. We must wait and see whether or not access becomes feasible again.”

Carlson: Reports have been published suggesting that your government believes the International Atomic Energy Agency has spied on Iran’s nuclear facilities and passed classified information to the Zionist regime. Do you endorse this view? And if so, do you have any evidence to support this claim that you would be willing to present to the international community?

President Pezeshkian: regarding trust in the Agency, Israel’s misuse of inspection information gave rise to some distrust. Nevertheless, we have always been ready to cooperate and allowed the IAEA to inspect all sites under its mandate. The mistrust was exacerbated when the Agency’s latest report gave Israel a pretext to launch illegal attacks on our nuclear sites. Regrettably, the IAEA did not even condemn this attack on facilities under its own oversight, which we had accepted under the NPT. From the standpoint of international law, this is unacceptable and has caused serious distrust among our people and lawmakers toward the Agency.

Carlson: You mentioned that the Islamic Republic of Iran has always avoided war and sought to resolve its disputes with the United States through diplomacy. However, this process was suddenly disrupted by an incident. I would now like to ask: Are you willing to make a fresh start on the path of diplomacy once again? In other words, is there a possibility of a “restart” in the negotiations? And if so, in your view, what should an ideal agreement with the United States look like, and on what basis should it be reached?

President Pezeshkian: “In my view, we could have easily resolved our issues through dialogue. The framework for negotiations can be based on international law and the rights of states. We have had — and continue to have — no demand other than respect for international law. It is Netanyahu who has thrown the region into chaos and attempted to torpedo dialogue. We are seeking peace. I believe that in our small world today, human beings must live together in peace and harmony. But we were attacked. Our nation has the ability to defend itself. I believe the US President has a choice: to move the region toward peace and security, or to drag it into forever wars.”

Carlson: Do you have any plans to reenter negotiations with the United States of America — whether those talks are with the current U.S. representative, Mr. Witkoff, or someone else? And if there are no such plans, in your view, what might happen if this situation continues?

President Pezeshkian: “We have no problem with negotiation. But the atrocities Israel has committed in the region and against our country, and its war crimes, including assassinating our off-duty commanders in their homes, murdering our scientists along with their families and children, killing innocent civilians, and bombing pregnant women have caused a crisis. To kill one individual, they brought down entire buildings, burying innocent people under the rubble. We hope that once we overcome this travesty, it will once again be possible to return to the negotiating table. However, that has a prerequisite: confidence in the negotiation process. Israel must not be allowed to attack again right in the middle of talks and ignite a new war.”

Carlson: Do you believe that the Israeli government has attempted to assassinate you?

President Pezeshkian: “There were attempts, and actions were taken. But we believe that if God wills, a person will survive — and if not, one could perish even while walking. We are ready to defend our people, our independence, and the freedom of our land to the last breath, and we are not afraid of death. But in the world, we live in, destabilizing the region by shedding blood, committing murder, looting, and evil illusions is truly disgraceful.”

Carlson: If you permit, I would like to return to this topic once more. So far, there is no official report indicating that the United States of America has attempted to assassinate you, nor has this matter been confirmed by any official institutions. Could you please provide further clarification on this issue?

President Pezeshkian: “This was carried out by Israel and not by the United States. We were in an internal meeting reviewing our programs when they bombed our building, using the information gathered by their spies. But when God does not will it, nothing happens. We have never feared death or martyrdom in the path of our country’s independence and dignity. In the face of Israel’s imposed war, our people and homeland achieved greater unity and cohesion. Iran is a civilization, and the Iranian people may have disagreements on various issues, but every Iranian, wherever they may be in the world, knows the value of their country’s territorial integrity and will defend it. My advice to the US government is: do not get dragged into a war fueled by Netanyahu’s satanic aspirations and his acts of genocide. It would start the real forever wars, one that brings nothing but terror and insecurity to the region.”

Carlson: Many people in the United States still fear Iran and are concerned that Iran might attack the U.S. with a nuclear bomb. They see videos in which some people in Iran chant “Death to America” and refer to the United States as the “Great Satan.” In your opinion, are these concerns realistic? And should the American people be afraid of Iran?

President Pezeshkian: “I don’t believe that this is an accurate image of Iran. In the past 200 years, not once has Iran attacked another country. The chanting of “Death to America,” by no means refers to the American people, or even officials. It means “Death to crime,” “Death to killing,” “Death to supporting massacres,” and “Death to policies that destabilize the region.” Have you ever seen an Iranian commit a terrorist act in the US? I haven’t. To the best of our knowledge, no Iranian has ever pursued terror or unrest. But there were others in the region, who were trained by the United States according to US President himself, namely, Daesh (ISIS), who brought terror and crimes not only to the region but even to the US, and tarnished the global image of our religion and beliefs. Our “Death to…” slogan is against crime and insecurity — not human beings. Any actor who supports crime and insecurity is condemned by our people. It’s not against anyone as a human being.”

Carlson: Two of Iran’s prominent sources of emulation and senior clerics have issued fatwas against Donald Trump, the President of the United States. In your view, what is the meaning and significance of these fatwas?

President Pezeshkian: “As far as I know, no fatwa has been issued against any specific individual. The fatwa that was published — which, I should clarify, has no relation to the government or the Supreme Leader — simply states that insulting religious figures or beliefs is, from a doctrinal perspective, condemned and unacceptable. This fatwa is not directed against the US President or any other particular individual. The scholars were expressing their views, but certainly never meant or implied murder or threats.”

Carlson: Considering that a significant number of Iranian nationals live in the United States, some believe that these individuals are so-called “sleepers” or undercover agents waiting to receive orders from you to carry out violent or terrorist actions within U.S. soil. Would you like to send a message to them from here, asking them to refrain from any violent actions on United States territory?

President Pezeshkian: “To be honest, many of the points you’ve raised are things I’m hearing for the first time as an Iranian. Have you ever seen anything other than science, knowledge, civility, and empathy from Iranians living in the US? These are images Israel and those who try to foster conflict and instability promote. They try to frighten the public and decision-makers in order to drag America into a war that has no benefit for it.”

Carlson: In the early days of the revolution, it seemed that Iran had some economic relations with Israel, and it is even said that at that time, some weapons were transferred from Israel to Iran. What factor caused such a fundamental change in the relations between Iran and Israel? And who was responsible for this change of course?

President Pezeshkian: “What has happened in full view of the world at the hands of Israel is entirely clear. In Gaza, Netanyahu bombs children, women, schools, and universities in cold blood. He has cut off water, food, and medicine. These actions constitute genocide. This behavior is rejected by the people of the region. To my knowledge, Iran has never acquired weapons from Israel and has never sought war. These wars were imposed on us. We did not start the war with Iraq. Today as well, Israel has attacked us. We did not seek war, but unfortunately, they are trying to even drag the US into this conflict.”

Carlson: Do you believe that, as a result of diplomatic exchanges between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America, it is possible to achieve a world in which American companies once again invest in Iran, sanctions are lifted, and ultimately peace is established? Is such a situation your intended goal?

President Pezeshkian: “Since I took office, I have first tried to strengthen unity and cohesion within the country and then establish healthy and constructive relations with our neighbors. In a conversation I had with the Supreme Leader, he indicated that American investors can operate in Iran without any barrier. This is the view of our beloved Leader of the Revolution. Unfortunately, it is Israel that is obstructing peace in the region. In my view, the U.S. President — Mr. Trump — can either rein in Israel and help move the region toward peace and security, or fall into the trap of Netanyahu and his forever wars. This decision is up to the U.S. President to make. We have always been — and still are — ready for economic, industrial, and commercial cooperation with Americans. But it is the U.S. sanctions that have prevented their presence in our country.”

Carlson: Mr. President, as my final question, may I ask: In the event of a broader war against the Islamic Republic of Iran, how likely do you think it is that Iran’s allies, including China and Russia, will support Iran economically or militarily? And do you expect such support?

President Pezeshkian: “What matters most to us is our belief in God and our convictions. We have the capability to defend ourselves, and if necessary, we will stand our ground to our last breath to protect our country and territorial integrity. We are not seeking war. We have repeatedly said that we are not pursuing nuclear weapons. But a false perception has taken root in the minds of some American politicians — a misperception that Netanyahu, with his warmongerings, continues to reinforce. Any war in this region will set the entire Middle East ablaze with fire and insecurity. If the US President wants such a future, he can continue down this path. But if he seeks peace — as I believe we should all move toward peace and stability — he must not allow Israel to ignite the region. The US President can end war and bloodshed by containing Netanyahu. This decision depends on the policies of the US President,” Pezeshkian said while commenting on US President Donald Trump’s policies on the region, including the Zionist regime and its Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.”

Carlson: Mr. President, I sincerely thank you for the opportunity you have given us and for the time you dedicated to sharing your views and perspectives.

President Pezeshkian: “I thank you for the opportunity to share with you what we hold in our hearts and believe in. I hope the people and government of the United States will pursue and realize peace and tranquility for their country and the region. Thank you for this opportunity.”