Q: What is Zionism, according to the Iranian government, in which you serve as an adviser?

We make an absolute distinction between Judaism and Zionism; they are two completely different things. We believe that Zionism is a nonreligious political movement which is racist, power-mongering and divisive. Instead of love, it propagates hatred. Its economy is based on war and the selling of arms, not on peace and righteousness.

Q: So Zionists can also be Christians and Muslims, according to you?

A: Absolutely, that is correct. Zionism has nothing to do with religion.

Q: Do you understand that many people think you are speaking of Jews exclusively?

A: Actually, the media know what we are saying, but they are controlled by the Zionists. We don't consider Zionists a religion but a political group, so much so that they don't even have to be born in Jewish households, they can be born in Muslims or Christian households. They are very powerful, but a small group. Ninety percent of Americans don't want Zionists. That's why Obama got votes.

Q: The two steps you say Obama must take, pulling out troops from the region and cutting ties with what you call Zionists -- those are very high demands with which to start negotiations.

A: We believe the American people voted for Obama with those two goals in mind. That's why he got votes. The future will show that if Obama does not carry them out, his popularity will decline.

Q: So you mean specifically those two issues, that's why they voted for him?

A: Yes. You don't need to find this in what Obama says. It can be proved from what his opponent, McCain, said. . . .

Q: Are you happy McCain lost?

A: In our opinion, the U.S. is still the U.S. But we think the American voters are now much more aware and informed; they realize that without a major change there is no path ahead.