Zarif questions Tehran's security strategy, advocates for diplomacy over military threats

Mohammad Javad Zarif questioned Tehran's security strategy, arguing that diplomacy and economic opportunity should take priority over confrontation. He contrasted the approach of viewing neighboring countries as threats, which requires ambassadors like the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, with viewing them as partners. Zarif also stated that nuclear weapons do not create deterrence, referencing the Soviet Union.

Zarif argued that Tehran's security-first outlook has distorted its nuclear strategy and regional diplomacy, limiting opportunities to pursue economic and diplomatic interests. This commentary comes as Iran faces mounting economic pressure from a US blockade.