Iran’s Vice President, Mohammad Javad Zarif, declared that Iran is no longer under significant security threats from foreign adversaries. He noted a transformation from a vulnerable past, referencing the end of the ‘hit-and-run’ policy. Zarif underscored the historical context of regional resistance movements and critiqued Israel’s opposition to the JCPOA as a means to safeguard its security narrative.
During a recent gathering in Tehran, Mohammad Javad Zarif, Iran’s Vice President for Strategic Affairs, asserted that Iran has overcome serious security threats. He remarked that Iran has attained a level of strength that deters foreign attacks, moving away from the historical vulnerability referred to as a “hit-and-run” policy. “Iran today, after 220 years, has reached a position where neither the United States, nor Israel, nor any other entity can even think of attacking Iran and getting away with it,” Zarif stated. He communicated a belief that the era of unchallenged foreign attacks has concluded, emphasizing Iran’s newfound security stature.
Zarif acknowledged that although threats remain, the anxiety surrounding them is diminishing. He stressed that Iran is not in a position of continual fear from potential enemy actions. Addressing the rise of resistance movements against Israeli colonialism, Zarif said that these forces emerged as a response to occupation, not due to Iran’s influence or military support. He stated, “What created Resistance was ‘occupation,’ not Iran,” underscoring that the Palestinian struggle is primarily about rights rather than an Iranian-Israeli conflict.
On the topic of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), Zarif noted that Israel opposed the agreement because it disrupted the security narrative that had been established around Iran. He remarked, “Israel opposed the JCPOA… because the JCPOA dismantled the ‘security narrative’ that Israel had constructed around Iran.” Zarif posited that if Israel were genuinely concerned about Iran’s nuclear ambitions, it would support the JCPOA, which could have postponed such developments for 15 years.
The remarks were made to an audience of journalists, scholars, and analysts attending the launch of monthly discussions concerning regional and international matters at the Iranian Office for Strategic Affairs.
The context of this discussion lies in Iran’s evolving perception of its security landscape, particularly in relation to its adversaries, including the United States and Israel. Historical weaknesses characterized by foreign interventions and perceived vulnerabilities prompted Iran to develop a more robust strategic posture. Zarif’s statements underscore a significant shift in regional dynamics, emphasizing the agency of local resistance movements in response to occupation rather than Iranian military influence. Additionally, the JCPOA illustrates a contentious point in Iran-Israel relations, highlighting differing perspectives on security and nuclear proliferation.
In summary, Mohammad Javad Zarif affirmed that Iran has achieved a stronger security position, minimizing the threat from foreign adversaries. He highlighted the historical context of Iranian vulnerability while shifting focus to the localized roots of regional resistance movements. Furthermore, Zarif critiqued Israel’s stance on the JCPOA, suggesting that collaboration on such agreements could enhance regional security and serve mutual interests. Ultimately, his remarks suggest a fundamental change in Iran’s strategic self-image and its role in regional geopolitics.
Original Source: www.tehrantimes.com
