In a speech delivered in 2007, Ali Larijani, then Secretary of the Iranian National Security Council, expressed a complex view on the United States, asserting that while the U.S. is considered an enemy, engaging in dialogue with adversaries is a key aspect of global policy. He suggested that establishing normalized relations with the U.S. might hold strategic benefits for Iran, particularly in the evolving landscape of Middle Eastern diplomacy. During that period, Iran was not merely perceived as a threat but also played a role in regional diplomatic processes following the upheavals caused by the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The framing of the Iranian threat remains a significant topic in international relations, especially as it pertains to the dynamics between Washington, Jerusalem, and Riyadh. The article positions these capitals as critical locations for defining and addressing the threats posed by Iran, which can shape the geopolitical landscape in the region. With the intricacies of recent and historical engagements with Iran, the responses from these nations can either escalate tensions or foster an environment conducive to dialogue and diplomacy.

As the Middle East continues to grapple with its complex security dilemmas, the distinctions made by leadership in Washington, Jerusalem, and Riyadh regarding Iran's role and threat will have far-reaching implications. This discourse not only impacts local policies but also influences broader strategic alliances and security frameworks in the region, highlighting the ongoing debates around Iran's nuclear ambitions, its geopolitical maneuvers, and the international responses to its actions.