Zarif challenges Iran's security doctrine, sparking hard-line backlash

A recently posted video shows former foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif questioning Iran’s reliance on military intimidation, insisting that diplomatic and economic avenues should come first. He claimed that nuclear weapons have not provided deterrence for any major power and that Iran lacked sufficient uranium for a bomb at the time of his comments. Zarif warned that viewing the region as hostile forces ambassadors to act like Quds Force agents, whereas a partnership approach would turn them into diplomats and businessmen.

Hard-line publications, including Kayhan and Tasnim, rebuked him as undermining national security and aiding Washington, while Raja News hinted at possible legal action. Reformist figure Hossein Marashi urged the leadership to consider tactical retreats to protect the nation’s economy, and a analyst at one outlet said the debate reflects a deepening divide over whether Iran’s leverage can be turned into a sustainable settlement or will become a strategic liability.