Tehran: Iran's Vice-President for Strategic Affairs Mohammad Javad Zarif has dismissed claims that Tehran's defense policy hinges on the pursuit of nuclear weapons, calling such assumptions a misrepresentation of the country's strategic goals. In an article published by Iran Newspaper on Monday, Zarif argued that Iran's deterrence is rooted in self-reliance, advanced defense capabilities, and historical resistance to external aggression.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Zarif addressed a narrative among some analysts of Iranian politics, suggesting that Iran, under regional pressures, economic challenges, and domestic unrest, has shifted its policy toward developing nuclear weapons as a last resort for survival or deterrence. Zarif, a former foreign minister, rejected such narratives as simplistic and influenced by global instability, particularly the erosion of international norms due to Israel's violations of humanitarian and legal principles.

Zarif emphasized that while challenges faced by allies like the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah may temporarily affect Iran's sphere of influence, they do not jeopardize the core of the country's deterrence. He stated that the paradigm of 'strategic self-reliance' has always been recognized as a fundamental pillar of Tehran's defense policy, ensuring the country's resilience against external pressures.

Addressing claims of Iran seeking nuclear weapons, Zarif further argued that the country's defense policy remains consistent with its strategic doctrine, which prioritizes sovereignty and regional stability. He pointed to decades of military innovations as evidence of a long-term vision that safeguards Iran's security.

The Iranian vice president called for a renewed global commitment to accountability and justice, reiterating that claims of Iran's shift toward nuclear weapons are not a reflection of Tehran's strategy, but rather a sign of the collapse of the global order. Zarif concluded by urging analysts to focus on the Zionist regime's destabilizing actions, such as its genocidal war on Gaza and assaults on neighboring states, rather than framing Iran as a nuclear threat.