Tehran: Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei has identified the country's rich historical and civilizational heritage as a vital component of its soft power. At a conference on Iran and cultural diplomacy in Tehran on Tuesday, the official emphasized that modern warfare extends far beyond the military arena, stating that leveraging Iran's cultural legacy is a strategic necessity to counter narrative wars and project an authentic image of the nation against global disinformation.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Baqaei argued that as adversaries attempt to distort Iran's identity, the nation must harness its civilizational assets to project an authentic image globally. Baqaei noted that tourism has transcended mere economic activity, becoming a strategic tool for enhancing national resilience and countering political hostility.

Baqaei highlighted that the Iran-US conflict has acquired civilizational dimensions, stressing dialogue and accurate storytelling to counter false narratives about Iran. He mentioned that Iran's historical heritage is a key source of soft power and public diplomacy, adding that the Iranian people remain the country's greatest national strength and most important allies.

Mohammad Reza Norouzpour, Deputy of Media and Advertising at the Ministry of Culture, explained that hostile states typically launch coordinated media campaigns to tarnish a nation's image before considering further action. In this context, cultural heritage acts as a primary defense. Norouzpour stressed that Iran's historical sites must communicate with the global community effectively. He identified a gap between Iran's profound historical stature and its current level of global recognition, calling for a more sophisticated integration of historical assets, narrative storytelling, and modern media channels.