"Diplomacy without brains is akin to driving a car without an engine."
This quote by Mohammad Javad Zarif highlights the importance of intelligence and strategic thinking in diplomacy. Just as a car needs an engine to move, diplomatic efforts require sound judgment and understanding to be effective. Without brains, or wisdom, diplomacy becomes a mere formality lacking substance, incapable of navigating through complex issues and achieving meaningful outcomes.
"We do not seek conflict, but we shall never fear it."
This quote by Mohammad Javad Zarif suggests a stance of strategic caution, not actively seeking conflict or confrontation, yet being resolute and unafraid if conflict arises. It implies that while peaceful dialogue and diplomacy are preferred, the speaker is prepared to stand firm in the face of adversity, indicating a balanced approach towards maintaining peace while safeguarding national interests.
"The Iranian nation has always been a beacon of hope and resilience in the face of adversity."
This quote highlights the historical strength, spirit, and determination of the Iranian people. In times of hardship or struggle, they remain steadfast, serving as a symbol of enduring hope for others facing adversity. It suggests that despite challenges, the Iranian nation embodies resilience and optimism, inspiring others with their fortitude.
"The more they pressure us in words, the closer we will get to our goals."
This quote suggests that increased pressure or confrontation from external sources can lead to a strengthening of resolve and accelerated progress towards one's goals within Iran, as represented by "us" in the statement. It implies that Iran views such challenges as motivators rather than deterrants, driving them forward instead of pushing them away. This perspective could be interpreted as a form of resilience or strategic determination.
"Today's tyrants came to power by preaching moderation, but tomorrow’s tyrants will be born out of extremism."
This quote suggests that regimes or leaders who come to power promising moderation may initially appear more palatable, as they appeal to the mainstream or moderate elements of society. However, over time, these leaders can become tyrannical, suppressing dissent and individual freedoms in the name of maintaining control. On the other hand, extremist groups, which are often seen as radical or outside the mainstream, can also seize power if they are not sufficiently challenged or countered, potentially leading to even more repressive regimes. The quote serves as a caution that both moderate and extreme ideologies must be carefully monitored, as both have the potential to give rise to tyranny under the wrong circumstances.
If we can ascertain and show to our people that the West is ready to deal with Iran on the basis of mutual respect and mutual interests and equal footing, then it will have an impact on almost every aspect of Iran's foreign policy behavior - and some aspects of Iran's domestic policy.
- Mohammad Javad Zarif
It is time for Iran and other stakeholders to begin to address the causes of tension in the wider Persian Gulf region. We need a sober assessment of the complex and intertwined realities here and consistent policies to deal with them. The fight against terror is a case in point.
- Mohammad Javad Zarif
If you look at the developments in the international scene over the past many years, we haven't been able to resolve many problems and many crises, because we have approached them from a zero-sum perspective. My gain has always been defined as somebody else's loss, and through that, we never resolve problems.
- Mohammad Javad Zarif
Iran is not in any sort of routine groupings. It's not an Arab country. It's not part of the Indian subcontinent. So it's in a neighborhood where it has some unique characteristics. We are a country which embraced Islam, learned Arabic, but didn't change its language or its culture... That's what keeps us unique.
- Mohammad Javad Zarif
Actually, if you look at the essence of ISIS, how it came about, it's the product of foreign invasion. Foreign invasion in Iraq led to removal of Saddam Hussein, and we're not unhappy with that, but the point is that foreign presence in any territory has created dynamics. And you cannot avoid those dynamics.
- Mohammad Javad Zarif
The United States wanted to send its trained rebel groups to Syria to fight ISIS. Out of twenty-five hundred rebels they had trained, only seventy accepted to go to Syria to fight ISIS. Everybody else wanted to go to Syria to fight the government. So you've got to wake up and smell the coffee... The rebel groups have not fired a shot against ISIS.
- Mohammad Javad Zarif
Iran did not talk to the United States for 35 years. And now we are talking. And I believe these talks are useful. But they haven't produced the intended results. We have not seen an end to the hostility that has been exhibited in the United States against Iran. And I believe it is important that we see some of that.
- Mohammad Javad Zarif
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