Zarif: Iran’s Path to Strategic Self-Reliance Does Not Depend on Nuclear Weapons
In a recent statement, Iran’s Vice-President for Strategic Affairs, Mohammad Javad Zarif, refuted claims that Iran’s defense policy is centered on the development of nuclear weapons. This assertion, he argues, misrepresents the country’s true strategic objectives and its commitment to maintaining sovereignty and regional stability.
In an article featured in Iran Newspaper, Zarif elaborated on Iran’s defense strategy, emphasizing its foundation in self-reliance and advanced military capabilities. He stated, “Among some analysts of Iranian politics, a growing narrative claims that Iran, under regional pressures, economic challenges, and domestic unrest, has shifted its policy toward developing nuclear weapons as a last resort for survival or deterrence.”
Zarif dismissed these narratives as simplistic, attributing them to global instability and the deterioration of international norms, particularly due to Israel’s violations of humanitarian and legal principles. He pointed out several key aspects of Iran’s defense policy:
- Strategic Self-Reliance: This concept serves as a fundamental pillar of Tehran’s defense policy, which ensures resilience against external pressures.
- Long-Term Vision: Decades of military innovations illustrate Iran’s commitment to safeguarding its security.
- Regional Stability: Iran’s defense policy prioritizes maintaining sovereignty and stability in the region.
Furthermore, Zarif noted that while the challenges faced by allies, such as the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah, might temporarily impact Iran’s influence, they do not compromise the essence of the country’s deterrence strategy. He stated, “This paradigm of ‘strategic self-reliance’ has always been recognized as a fundamental pillar of Tehran’s defense policy, ensuring the country’s resilience against external pressures.”
In his conclusion, Zarif called for a renewed global commitment to accountability and justice. He emphasized that claims regarding Iran’s shift towards nuclear weaponry do not reflect Tehran’s actual strategy but rather signify the collapse of the global order. He urged analysts to redirect their focus towards the destabilizing actions of the Zionist regime, highlighting its ongoing conflict in Gaza and aggressions against neighboring states.
