The United States’ administrations… must recognize that Iran is a big power. Having said that, we consider ourselves to be a human force and a cultural power and hence a friend of other nations. We have never sought to dominate others or to violate the rights of any other country.

Meaning of the quote

The quote suggests that Iran sees itself as a powerful country with a rich culture, and wants to be recognized as such by the United States. Iran believes it has never tried to control or harm other countries, and instead wants to be a friend to other nations. The main idea is that Iran wants to be treated as an important and influential country, rather than being overlooked or disrespected.

About Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was the sixth president of Iran, serving from 2005 to 2013. He was known for his hardline views and support for Iran’s nuclear program. During his presidency, he experienced power struggles and controversies both within Iran and on the global stage.

More about the author

More quotes from Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

We believe that visa quotas should be lifted and people should visit anywhere they wish freely.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

6th President of Iran from 2005 to 2013

We desire an expansion of relations with regional states and the establishment of extensive public contacts.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

6th President of Iran from 2005 to 2013

Technical knowledge has now become an integral aspect of the Iranian psyche.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

6th President of Iran from 2005 to 2013

We’ve never been anti-Semitic.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

6th President of Iran from 2005 to 2013

Those who insist on having hostilities with us, kill and destroy the option of friendship with us in the future, which is unfortunate because it is clear the future belongs to Iran and that enmities will be fruitless.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

6th President of Iran from 2005 to 2013

The United States’ administrations… must recognize that Iran is a big power. Having said that, we consider ourselves to be a human force and a cultural power and hence a friend of other nations. We have never sought to dominate others or to violate the rights of any other country.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

6th President of Iran from 2005 to 2013

Fortunately, Iranians are politically active worldwide.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

6th President of Iran from 2005 to 2013

Global equations undergo changes, this is their nature.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

6th President of Iran from 2005 to 2013

One can not impede scientific progress.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

6th President of Iran from 2005 to 2013

For this reason, the expansion of relations with all countries is on the agenda of the Islamic Republic of Iran. I mean balanced relationships, based on mutual respect and observation of each other’s rights.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

6th President of Iran from 2005 to 2013

We are not afraid of nuclear weapons. The point is that if we had in fact wanted to build a nuclear bomb, we are brave enough to say that we want it. But we never do that.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

6th President of Iran from 2005 to 2013

Nuclear energy is the scientific achievement of the Iranian nation.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

6th President of Iran from 2005 to 2013

Our enemies can deal a blow to us any time they wish. They did not wait for permission to do this. They do not deal a blow with prior notice. They do not take action because they can’t.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

6th President of Iran from 2005 to 2013

People should have freedom in their pilgrimages and tours. They should come and visit historical monuments and sites – let’s say the sites around Iran – where they can easily engage in wide- scale contacts with others.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

6th President of Iran from 2005 to 2013

The wave of the Islamic revolution will soon reach the entire world.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

6th President of Iran from 2005 to 2013

The system of domination is founded on depriving nations of their true identity. It seeks to deprive nations of their culture, identity, self-confidence and in this way dominate them.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

6th President of Iran from 2005 to 2013

Today, the Muslim world is the poorest of the global powers.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

6th President of Iran from 2005 to 2013

In Iran I think nobody loses their job because of making a statement that reflects their opinion. From this point of view, conditions in Iran are far better than in many other places in the world.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

6th President of Iran from 2005 to 2013

Iranians defend and present their Islamic and Iranian identity to other people worldwide.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

6th President of Iran from 2005 to 2013

It is not just for a few states to sit and veto global approvals.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

6th President of Iran from 2005 to 2013

Our dear country, Iran, throughout history has been subject to threats.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

6th President of Iran from 2005 to 2013

The UN structure is one-sided, stacked against the world of Islam.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

6th President of Iran from 2005 to 2013

For hundreds of years Iranians have been migrating to many parts of the world. They took Islamic culture to other parts of the world and established it there.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

6th President of Iran from 2005 to 2013

Our nation is today a powerful nation.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

6th President of Iran from 2005 to 2013