Tehran: First Vice President Mohammad-Reza Aref says the Iranian government maintains that any future negotiations with the United States must be with authority and strength. Aref made the remark during a meeting with several academics from Sharif University of Technology, emphasizing the consensus among political and military authorities that future negotiations should be conducted with strength.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Aref noted that while there might be differing opinions during the decision-making process, these differences dissipate once a decision is finalized. He emphasized that the administration of President Masoud Pezeshkian harbors no disagreements with any factions within the system, reinforcing the government’s stance on negotiating with strength.

Aref also commended the Iranian people’s role in the recent 12-day conflict imposed by the Israeli regime, highlighting their crucial contribution to defending the nation. He pointed out that the enemy aimed to provoke unrest in Iran, but the people’s resilience thwarted this strategy.

The vice president stressed the importance of maintaining social cohesion and community trust, which have strengthened post-conflict. He urged academics to propose practical and strategic solutions to preserve this unity.

The conflict began on June 13 when Israel launched attacks on Iran, targeting nuclear sites, residential areas, and assassinating military officials and scientists. The war concluded with a ceasefire on June 24, leaving 1,060 Iranians dead, as reported by Saeed Ohaddi, head of Iran’s Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans Affairs.