Tehran:Former foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has emphasized the need for Iran to engage with global powers from a position of national self-confidence and independence, rejecting any approach marked by weakness or passivity.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Zarif expressed these views during an event where he discussed his recently authored books. He highlighted the necessity for Iran to maintain its dignity and leverage its historical capabilities to hold constructive dialogue on the international stage. He cautioned against engaging in costly confrontations and stressed the importance of self-belief in foreign policy.

Zarif also discussed Iran's response to recent US-Israeli conflicts, asserting that Iran's strategic actions have demonstrated that the era of "hit-and-run" tactics is over. He claimed that even when faced with attacks from two nuclear powers, Iran's deterrent capabilities forced a global superpower to evacuate military bases, showcasing Iran's strength.

Furthermore, Zarif accused the US and Israel of war crimes, citing incidents in Lamard where civilians were targeted with high-altitude bombs. He also criticized the US sanctions regime, describing it as a hindrance to academic freedom and attributing it to his support for key figures and groups within Iran.

Expressing his disapproval of US policies, Zarif argued that American leaders have misunderstood the Iranian nation, mistakenly believing that pressure could force Iran into submission. He shared insights from his diplomatic career, warning against threatening Iran, as such actions tend to strengthen Iranian resolve rather than undermine it. Zarif concluded by pointing out the failure of US policies due to a lack of understanding of Iran, partly influenced by external figures like Benjamin Netanyahu.