Question: Mr. Aref, one of the concerns voiced is the repetition of the past detrimental experience of tying the country’s fate to negotiations and paralyzing affairs on this pretext—an issue the Leader of the Revolution also raised and cautioned against in today’s meeting. What is the administration’s approach and strategy in this regard?
Dr. Aref: In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful.
I appreciate your question. From its very first day, the 14th administration has aligned its trajectory within the framework of general policies and the Seventh Development Plan. Regarding the matter you’ve raised, our approach mirrors the same one that Imam Khamenei has repeatedly emphasized in the past—that is, refraining from linking unrelated matters and upholding a principled belief in engagement with all countries — with the sole exception of the Zionist regime — provided that the conditions are suitable and we hold the upper hand. Only then, from a position of strength and rooted in the true concept of negotiation, should we enter into dialogue.
This is the prevailing culture in our system: We are a system of dialogue and negotiation, but only when the conditions are balanced and dignified.
Our national strategy is that our gaze must not be directed outward; it must be turned inward. The truth is, we possess immense and exceptional potential in every field, much of which has remained underutilized. This stems from various reasons—one of which is the short-term outlook prevalent among many officials, who often seek immediate outcomes during their tenure and thus neglect long-term efforts.
In the 14th administration, we hold the view that the people are at the center of all our efforts. The mobilization of resources also falls upon the people. For example, take the “National School Construction Campaign”: It is one of the administration’s strategic initiatives, and the person overseeing it is Dr. Pezeshkian himself. The initiative belongs to the people—they carry it forward—and we assist and facilitate.
Therefore, not only have we not pinned our hopes on negotiations, but we have placed no reliance on any special relationship with any country. However, we do maintain an outlook for constructive interaction with all countries that seek ties with us—especially our neighbors, African nations, and major economic players with proven success in the ancient continent—according to our prioritization.
Thus, our position is precisely what Imam Khamenei articulated today. Fortunately, the current negotiation process with the US is moving forward—albeit indirectly. We hope that, in the end, whatever benefits the sacred system of the Islamic Republic and serves the interests and well-being of the country and the people, will be achieved through these talks.
Question: Dr. Aref, it appears that certain parties, for various motives, are trying to propagate a kind of excessive optimism and dream-selling regarding the negotiations. How should such undue optimism — which is clearly not even in the interest of the negotiating team or the administration, and serves only to raise expectations in an unhealthy and unrealistic manner—be addressed?
Dr. Aref: Our position is clear: We must avoid both extremes—no excessive optimism, and no undue pessimism. We must not pass premature judgment. This is not to say no one should express their opinions, but any commentary should be constructive and conducive to the negotiation process. Both unbounded optimism and stark pessimism are detrimental.
The negotiators are representing the entire system, not just the government. They must be supported. If there are viewpoints or concerns, they should be conveyed to the negotiators through appropriate channels and mechanisms. It is not beneficial for certain matters to be aired in the media in such a way that it appears as though we are overly eager for a resolution—as though all the nation’s problems will be magically solved tomorrow. That is not the case.
There are countries today that have no issue whatsoever with the US, yet we witness how US treats them. Therefore, creating a climate of excessive optimism within society is misguided and ultimately backfires—because any outcome, no matter how positive, will then seem underwhelming in light of inflated expectations.
Our challenge is that we raise the people’s expectations too high, and then—even if we accomplish something commendable—it appears small and inadequate compared to the inflated hopes we ourselves created.
So at this moment, expectations must be moderated. We should neither raise false hopes nor spread despair. The system has reached this decision. Hence, pessimism and the types of discourse sometimes seen in the public sphere, in my view, are not in the interest of the negotiations or the negotiators.
The negotiating team must enjoy robust backing, and if the intellectuals and elites of the country have perspectives to offer, they should communicate them through the established, professional channels available to them and reflect their insights to the negotiators and the government.
Thank you very much.
Dr. Aref: You’re very welcome. I appreciate the opportunity.
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