Podcast Summary: The Tucker Carlson Show – "The President Of Iran"

Release Date: July 7, 2025
Host: Tucker Carlson
Guest: Ebrahim Raisi, President of Iran
Duration: Approximately 28 minutes

Introduction

In the July 7, 2025 episode of The Tucker Carlson Show, host Tucker Carlson engages in a pivotal conversation with Ebrahim Raisi, the President of Iran. The discussion centers around the fragile pause in hostilities between the United States and Iran, Iran's nuclear ambitions, diplomatic relations, and regional stability. This comprehensive dialogue delves into Iran's perspective on international tensions, particularly focusing on nuclear policy, the role of Israel, and prospects for future diplomacy.

Iran's Nuclear Program and IAEA Cooperation

Key Discussion Points:

• Iran's stance on its nuclear program.
• The impact of military actions on nuclear negotiations.
• Willingness to engage in nuclear verification.

Notable Quotes:

• Raisi [01:39]: "We have never been after developing a nuclear bomb, not in the past, not presently or in the future... This is in contrast to the religious decree or the fatwa which has been issued by His Eminence, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran."

• Raisi [03:52]: "We stand ready to have these supervisions. Unfortunately, as a result of the United States unlawful attacks against our nuclear centers and installations, many of the pieces of equipment and the facilities there have been severely damaged."

Summary: President Raisi vehemently denies that Iran seeks to develop nuclear weapons, emphasizing adherence to religious decrees against such endeavors. He attributes the disruption of Iran’s cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to unilateral attacks by the United States on Iran's nuclear facilities, which he claims have damaged crucial infrastructure necessary for nuclear oversight. Despite these setbacks, Raisi asserts Iran's readiness to resume nuclear verification processes once the affected facilities are operational.

Diplomatic Relations and the Role of Israel

Key Discussion Points:

• The deterioration of US-Iran diplomatic talks.
• Israel's alleged interference in negotiations.
• Conditions for resuming dialogue.

Notable Quotes:

• Raisi [07:55]: "It was Netanyahu that destroyed diplomacy and these diplomatic efforts. We have always wanted nothing beyond respect for our rights, rightful rights enshrined into international law."

• Raisi [20:15]: "Our proposal is that the US Administration should refrain from getting involved in a war that is not its war, that is not America's war. It is Netanyahu's war."

Summary: Raisi blames Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu for sabotaging ongoing diplomatic negotiations between the US and Iran, particularly citing unauthorized military attacks that derailed peace talks. He underscores Iran’s commitment to respecting international laws and pursuing peaceful relations, contingent upon the cessation of Israeli aggression. Raisi calls for the United States to recognize that regional conflicts instigated by Israel should not drag the US into perpetual wars.

Assassination Attempts and Security Concerns

Key Discussion Points:

• Alleged assassination attempts on President Raisi.
• Accountability and responsible parties.

Notable Quotes:

• Raisi [12:30]: "They did try, yes. And they acted accordingly, but they failed... I am not afraid of sacrificing myself for in defense of my country."

• Raisi [14:05]: "It was Israel. I was in a meeting... they tried to bombard the area... I am willing to give my life to defend my country's sovereignty."

Summary: Raisi confirms that there was an attempted assassination during a meeting, attributing the act to Israel rather than the United States. He emphasizes his and other Iranian officials' unwavering commitment to national defense, portraying the assassination attempt as a catalyst for increased national solidarity and resilience among Iranians.

Iranian Sentiment Towards the United States

Key Discussion Points:

• Public perception of Iran in the US.
• Clarification of anti-American rhetoric.

Notable Quotes:

• Raisi [16:52]: "Iran has never invaded another country in the last 200 years... 'Death to America' refers to death to crimes and atrocities, not to the American people."

• Raisi [20:43]: "Iranians are known for their knowledge, for their science, for their courtesy, for being civilized... Iranians are pro-peace and tranquility."

Summary: Raisi addresses misconceptions about Iran's intentions towards the United States, clarifying that anti-American statements are misinterpreted and do not signify a desire to harm American citizens. Instead, he claims these sentiments target policies and actions he deems criminal and destabilizing. Raisi rejects allegations of Iranian-sponsored terrorism within the US, asserting that such claims are unfounded and propagated by Israel to justify conflict.

Fatwas and Alleged Threats Against the US President

Key Discussion Points:

• Reports of fatwas against former US President Donald Trump.
• Clarification and context of religious decrees.

Notable Quotes:

• Raisi [18:44]: "They have not issued decrees or fatwas against any individual or against Donald Trump... They were condemning an idea or religious personalities, not directed towards the US President."

Summary: Raisi refutes reports that Iranian religious leaders issued fatwas targeting Donald Trump, explaining that any such religious decrees were not personal threats but statements against particular ideologies or religious figures. He emphasizes that the Iranian government and Supreme Leader do not endorse personal animosity towards specific foreign leaders.

Iranian Nationals in the United States and Claims of Terrorism

Key Discussion Points:

• Allegations of Iranian sleeper cells in the US.
• Assurance of peace from Iranian citizens abroad.

Notable Quotes:

• Raisi [20:43]: "Iranians are known for their knowledge, for their science, for their courtesy, for being civilized... This is totally untrue because by nature Iranians are pro-peace and tranquility."

Summary: Raisi dismisses claims that Iranian nationals in the United States are engaged in terrorist activities or operating as sleeper cells. He praises the Iranian diaspora for their contributions and civilized behavior, attributing such allegations to Israeli propaganda aimed at fomenting distrust and justifying military interventions.

Historical Iran-Israel Relations

Key Discussion Points:

• Transformation of Iran-Israel relations over time.
• Blame on Israel for strained ties.

Notable Quotes:

• Raisi [22:22]: "Israel is to blame... their actions in Palestine and Gaza, bombing civilian areas, have changed how the region views Israel."

• Raisi [22:22]: "We have never received any kind of weapon from Israel... It was Israel that imposed war on us."

Summary: President Raisi outlines the historical shift in Iran-Israel relations, attributing the breakdown to Israel’s aggressive policies and military actions in Palestine and Gaza. He denies any history of military cooperation or arms deals between the two nations, portraying Israel as the primary adversary responsible for regional conflicts and Iran's defensive stance.

Prospects for Future Diplomacy and US Investments

Key Discussion Points:

• Conditions for resuming diplomatic talks and lifting sanctions.
• Iran’s openness to US investments.

Notable Quotes:

• Raisi [24:14]: "There is nothing preventing US investors from coming to Iran... if Israel stops its aggression, peace can prevail."

• Raisi [24:14]: "US sanctions are the barrier, not us... The US President can guide the region towards peace."

Summary: Raisi expresses optimism about revitalizing diplomatic relations and reintroducing US investments into Iran, contingent upon the cessation of Israeli hostilities. He attributes existing economic barriers to US-imposed sanctions rather than Iranian policies and calls upon the US President to leverage his influence to promote regional peace and stability.

Possible Broader Conflict and International Assistance

Key Discussion Points:

• Iran’s preparedness for potential wider conflicts.
• Reliance on self-defense over foreign alliances.

Notable Quotes:

• Raisi [26:48]: "We have always put our trust in God... We are capable enough to defend ourselves and stand on our own two feet."

• Raisi [26:48]: "The US President should know that another war will only spread more instability in the Middle East."

Summary: Addressing the possibility of a broader conflict, Raisi asserts Iran’s self-sufficiency in defense, rejecting the notion of relying on allies such as Russia or China for military or economic support. He emphasizes Iran's intrinsic capacity to protect its sovereignty and warns against further wars exacerbating regional instability.

Conclusion

The episode offers a deep dive into Iran's current political stance, particularly emphasizing its commitment to peace, denials of nuclear ambitions, and criticisms of Israeli and American policies perceived as antagonistic. President Raisi articulates Iran’s readiness to engage in diplomatic solutions, contingent upon the cessation of external military pressures and aggression. The dialogue underscores the complexities of Middle Eastern geopolitics and highlights the challenges in bridging gaps between Iran and Western nations.

Final Takeaway:
Ebrahim Raisi's interview presents Iran as a nation striving for peace and stability while contending with perceived external threats and interference. The conversation underscores Iran's conditions for re-engagement in international diplomacy and economic cooperation, positioning itself as a sovereign actor resilient against external pressures.