Tehran: Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has articulated that negotiations with adversaries are not an indication of retreat but rather a form of resistance when they align with national interests. He emphasized that such negotiations become significant if they advance national interests, uphold the rights of the nation, eliminate oppression, and reinforce the achievements of the resistance.
According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Ghalibaf made his position clear in response to a letter from the editor-in-chief of Kayhan, a prominent Iranian daily. He stated that engaging in dialogue with those responsible for the bloodshed of the martyred Leader, military commanders, scientific elites, and citizens is not a privilege but a serious responsibility and a testament of trust. Ghalibaf expressed his gratitude to Hossein Shariatmadari for reminding him of the ideals of the Islamic Revolution, the guidance of the late leaders, and the sacrifices of the faithful people, describing these opinions as a sign of brotherhood from a fellow defender of national dignity.
He further justified his stance by quoting the Holy Qur'an, asserting that dialogue, when necessary, represents a field of struggle and resistance, not a retreat. Ghalibaf recalled the martyred Leader's resistance to arrogance, aimed at protecting the interests of Islam and Muslims through rationality and prudence. He reiterated the importance of engaging with the world from a position of power while maintaining dignity, wisdom, and expediency. Rational actions or authoritative dialogues should not be misconstrued as compromise or passivity, he asserted.
From the early days of the Islamic Revolution, Ghalibaf committed himself to the path of the founder of the Islamic Republic, steering clear of Westernization and distortion of the Imam's line. He distinguished himself from those seeking solutions from adversaries rather than relying on the people's power, warning against the enemy's attempts to create misunderstandings and differences. Instead, he advocated for constructive criticism and revolutionary vigilance.
Ghalibaf cautioned against political atmosphere-building that could weaken the country or undermine unity, trust, and loyalty to the Leaders of the Islamic Revolution. He stressed the necessity of safeguarding power to consolidate the achievements of the past and lead the country safely through challenges posed by enemies. Evading the responsibility of negotiation and labeling the negotiating team's achievements as betrayal would be erroneous, he added.
Addressing current challenges, Ghalibaf called for united efforts to resolve people's issues, enhance Iran's authority, safeguard resistance achievements, and defeat the enemy, rather than responding to misperceptions. He emphasized that guidelines from the Leader of the Islamic Revolution advocate resisting the enemy, maintaining national cohesion, strengthening domestic power, and avoiding harmful polarization.