On Wednesday, January 23, 2025, Iranian Vice President Mohammad Javad Zarif unequivocally denied that Iran had any prior knowledge of the Hamas-led assault on Israel that took place on October 7, 2023. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Zarif emphasized that the attack had effectively shattered any hopes of reviving the 2015 nuclear agreement between Iran and global powers.
Denial of Involvement in October 7 Attack
Zarif explained that Iran had no knowledge of the attack and highlighted the consequences it had on the planned discussions regarding the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) renewal. “We did not know about October 7… We were supposed to have a meeting with the Americans on JCPOA renewal on October 9, which was undermined and destroyed by this operation,” Zarif stated. He referred to the 2015 agreement as the JCPOA, an accord that aimed to limit Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief.
Iran’s Regional Allies Acting Independently
In his comments, Zarif also addressed Iran’s regional relationships, particularly with Hamas. He pointed out that Tehran’s allies, including Hamas, often pursued their own interests, sometimes even to the detriment of Iran’s broader objectives. “Tehran’s allies in the region, including Hamas, have always worked for their own cause, even at our expense,” Zarif remarked. He further clarified, “We never tried to cash (in on) our investment in the region,” underlining Iran’s strategic stance in the Middle East.
Supreme Leader Khamenei’s Response
These remarks align with statements made by Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who also denied Iranian involvement in the attack. After the assault, which killed over 1,000 Israeli civilians, Khamenei expressed support for the operation but rejected any direct Iranian participation. “The supporters of the Zionist regime (Israel) and some people in the usurping regime have been spreading rumors over the past two or three days, including that Islamic Iran was behind this action. They are wrong,” Khamenei said, distancing the Iranian government from the attack.
This denial came shortly after reports from the Wall Street Journal suggested that Iranian security officials had been involved in planning the attack and approved it during a meeting in Beirut. However, both Zarif and Khamenei have maintained that Iran did not have a hand in the operation.
Impact of U.S. Withdrawal from the Nuclear Deal
Zarif, who played a significant role in negotiating the 2015 nuclear deal, also reflected on the broader implications of the U.S. withdrawal from the JCPOA under former President Donald Trump. Since then, Iran has taken steps to reduce its compliance with the agreement, including expelling UN nuclear inspectors and increasing its uranium enrichment efforts. Despite these actions, Zarif stressed that Iran remains open to resuming negotiations on the nuclear deal.
“We have shown a willingness to continue discussions,” he noted, referring to recent talks with representatives from the UK, France, and Germany. Both parties described the talks as “frank and constructive.”
Iran’s Stance on Nuclear Weapons
Despite tensions over the JCPOA and ongoing international concerns, Zarif reiterated that Iran has no intention of building nuclear weapons. “Had we wanted to build a nuclear weapon, we could have done it a long time ago. But a program to build nuclear weapons is not going to be like our program,” he stated, once again asserting that Iran’s nuclear ambitions are for peaceful purposes only.
Looking Ahead: Hopes for a Rational U.S. Approach
As for future relations with the United States, Zarif expressed hope that President Trump would adopt a more rational approach toward Iran during his second term. He urged the U.S. president to take a more serious, focused, and realistic stance in dealing with Iran, signaling the potential for more constructive diplomacy if the U.S. chooses to engage with Iran in a meaningful way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Iran know about the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel?
No, according to Iranian Vice President Mohammad Javad Zarif, Iran had no prior knowledge of the Hamas-led assault on Israel. Zarif stated that the attack disrupted plans for negotiations regarding the JCPOA renewal.
Was Iran involved in planning the attack?
Both Zarif and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei have denied any involvement in the planning or execution of the October 7 attack, despite some reports suggesting Iranian security officials may have played a role.
What is the status of the JCPOA following the U.S. withdrawal?
Since the U.S. withdrawal from the JCPOA, Iran has taken steps to reduce its compliance with the agreement. However, Iran has expressed openness to resuming talks, as evidenced by recent diplomatic engagements with European representatives.
Does Iran intend to build nuclear weapons?
Iran maintains that it has never intended to develop nuclear weapons. Zarif emphasized that if Iran had wanted to build a nuclear weapon, it could have done so already.
Conclusion
The statements by Iranian Vice President Mohammad Javad Zarif, alongside those of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, have reiterated Iran’s position of denying involvement in the October 7 Hamas-led attack on Israel. As the situation evolves, Iran remains committed to pursuing diplomatic solutions, particularly regarding the JCPOA. While tensions persist, there is still hope for constructive dialogue and a more rational approach in future dealings with the United States.