The Interview: Ali Bahreini, Iran’s UN Ambassador – “No Surrender”

BBC World Service | Host: Evan Davies | Date: March 20, 2026

Main Theme & Purpose

This episode features a rare, in-depth conversation with Ali Bahreini, Iran's Ambassador to the United Nations, recorded during the ongoing Iran-US/Israel war. Bahreini offers the official Iranian perspective on the conflict, the succession after the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s war tactics—especially strikes on neighboring countries—and reflects on nuclear negotiations and national resilience. The episode provides listeners with a window into the mindset and rationale of Iranian officials amid a moment of acute regional crisis.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Leadership Succession in Iran

• Continuity & Stability
  • Bahreini stresses the “efficient functioning” of Iran’s political system, pointing to the quick appointment of Mostafa Khamenei (Ayatollah Khamenei's son) as new Supreme Leader.
  • Quote: "The fact that our country has been able to elect the new leader in this time of war and...under attacks signals the stability in our country..." (03:35)
• Public Sentiment
  • He claims widespread public approval and unity, portraying the population as strongly supportive.
  • Quote: "Everybody now in the country is happy with what has been done, particularly with not letting the position of leadership to be empty for a long time." (04:19)

2. Public Protest & Freedom of Expression

• Challenge on Suppression
  • Evan Davies questions the reality of dissent and whether Iranians are able to freely protest, noting the severe consequences for previous protests.
  • Quote (Davies): "There are many people who oppose the regime and it's difficult for them to come out...because there isn't freedom of expression and there isn't freedom of protest." (07:37)
• Official Response
  • Bahreini insists people can protest peacefully and will be protected, yet avoids specifics on governmental limitations or past crackdowns.
  • Quote: "Any person...who has anything to say in our society, he is allowed to express itself very peacefully..." (08:07)

3. Iran’s Justification for Strikes on Neighbors

• Framing of Attacks
  • Bahreini repeatedly asserts Iran has “no war” with its neighbors, only attacks on US military bases used in operations against Iran.
  • Quote: "We are friends, we belong to the same family...but unfortunately...the bases located in their countries are operational against our country." (02:21, 09:12)
  • He specifically cites the example of a US base used to launch an attack on a school in Minab.
• Case of Oman
  • When pressed about Oman, Bahreini denies Iranian attacks, suggesting potential false flag involvement by “other agents.”
  • Quote: "There is no any verified information indicating that Iran has attacked Oman and we are very suspicious about maybe some other agents..." (11:09)
• Civilian Targets in UAE
  • Bahreini insists any civilian casualties in Dubai are accidental and blames the US for the use of civilian facilities as covert military bases.
  • Quote: "Our military forces have being instructed...not to attack any non military location or place, not to make any harm to civilians..." (15:20)
  • Places responsibility on neighboring countries to prevent their territory from being used for attacks.

4. Iran’s War Endurance and Preparedness

• Resilience Message
  • Contradicts narratives of imminent internal collapse, touting Iranian preparedness and long-term endurance.
  • Quote: "Iran has never outsourced its security...Iran has prepared itself for such a scenario, for such a situation." (17:06)
  • “Iran will defend itself to the point that the aggression is stopped.” (18:07)
• On Solidarity
  • Reinforces the “no surrender” message, linking national unity and resistance to success against US/Israeli aims.
  • Quote: "It is a strong message to the United States, to Israel. That Iranian nation is not a nation to surrender." (19:38)

5. On the Tragedy at Minab School

• Response to Civilian Casualties
  • Bahreini condemns the US strike on a girl’s school, calling it “deliberate,” labeling it a war crime, and rejecting the idea it was accidental.
  • Quote: "It has been a precise attack against [a] well known school and...no, any excuse can be acceptable to attack...a school of children and to commit such massacre." (21:13)
  • Calls for accountability and indicates Iran will ensure the US “will pay a very big price for that crime.” (22:13)

6. On Nuclear Negotiations and Concessions

• Was War Avoidable?
  • Davies posits—could Iran have reached a deal to avoid war by conceding more on uranium enrichment?
  • Bahreini defends Iran’s negotiation stance, stating Iran showed “good faith,” and blames the US for breaking off talks and launching attacks even during negotiations.
  • Quote: “Iran was very constructive. Iran showed good faith in the negotiations…But again they attacked Iran.” (23:41)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "The people came into the streets from the very beginning after the attack and they expressed their support to the government in millions."
  – Ali Bahreini (06:34)
• "Any person…in our society…is allowed to express itself very peacefully…they are not only allowed, they are protected."
  – Ali Bahreini (08:07)
• "We are exclusively attacking those bases…the friendship among our…neighborhood is a principle which we follow."
  – Ali Bahreini (13:51)
• "Iran has never outsourced its security…has prepared itself for such a scenario."
  – Ali Bahreini (17:06)
• "Iran will defend itself to the point that the aggression is stopped."
  – Ali Bahreini (18:07)
• "No, any excuse can be acceptable to attack…a school of children and to commit such massacre, which is a clear example of the war crime."
  – Ali Bahreini (21:36)
• “Iran showed good faith in the negotiations…But again they attacked Iran.”
  – Ali Bahreini (23:41)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [03:35] Bahreini on leadership succession and public support
• [05:42–08:07] Protest, dissent, and civil liberties in Iran
• [09:12] Rationale for missile/drone attacks on Gulf neighbors
• [11:09] Denial of attacks on Oman and suspicions of external provocation
• [13:51] Iran’s targeted strikes on UAE and stance on civilian casualties
• [16:58] Iran’s military independence and preparedness for war
• [18:07] Commitment to continued defense; definition of victory
• [20:47] The Minab school attack: Bahreini’s condemnation and response
• [23:20] Reflection on the failure of nuclear negotiations and US responsibility

Takeaways

• Iran’s official line is unwavering: defensive, not aggressive, with an emphasis on self-reliance, justified retaliation, and claims of popular unity.
• The Ambassador rejects criticism over civil liberties and protest, instead praising Iran’s democratic institutions.
• Civilian casualties are blamed on enemy tactics; Iranian attacks are said to be carefully targeted.
• Bahreini sees the war not as evidence of Iranian belligerence but of Western “aggression” and insists any possibility of peace was sabotaged by the US.
• Throughout, he projects defiance—summed up in repeated assertions: “Iran is not a nation to surrender.”

This summary captures the essence, arguments, and rhetoric of Ali Bahreini as Iran’s ambassador, providing context and content for listeners seeking to understand Iran’s official perspective amid a dangerous and complex conflict.