Cleric highlights Iran policy of active diplomacy along with show of force

Hujjat-ul-Islam Seyyed Mohammad Hassan Abu Torabi Fard, the interim Friday prayer leader of Tehran, said in his weekly sermon that the strategy outlined by Ali Khamenei has enabled Iran’s diplomatic apparatus to act effectively and authoritatively in regional and international engagements. He said the strategy rests on three core principles: dignity, wisdom and expediency.

Referring to bilateral negotiations between Iran and the United States, Abu Torabi Fard described the talks as one of the key issues shaping the political climate globally, regionally and domestically. He said Iran’s foreign policy establishment must define its roadmap in line with the three principles and proceed “steadfastly, courageously and powerfully.”

“Diplomacy can safeguard national interests only when it moves from a position of dignity and strength,” he said.

‘Deterrent Power’
Abu Torabi Fard noted that the United States, Israel, NATO and their allies entered a difficult phase after what the 12-day imposed-war, eventually acknowledging defeat. He said the experience demonstrated that Israel acts as a barrier against aggression toward Iran and, contrary to public perception, does not push Washington toward military confrontation but fears Iran’s power.

He emphasized that Iran’s strength reflects the strength of the broader Islamic community and called on officials, intellectuals and academics to mobilize their full capacity to enhance national unity and dignity.

“The sacred unity of the Iranian nation must be preserved,” he said, adding that Iran’s defensive capabilities must remain at a level of deterrence that prevents any adversary from contemplating an attack on the country’s land, airspace or territorial waters.

Public Participation and National Unity
Highlighting public participation in political life, he cited large-scale rallies and high voter turnout as pillars of Iran’s domestic and foreign policy strength. He said national unity, strong ties between the government and the public, and increased social capital underpin the country’s authority and pave the way for scientific and economic progress.

Abutorabi-Fard described “wisdom” as the second pillar of Iran’s foreign policy, saying it requires close coordination between the foreign policy establishment and academic, political, defense and nuclear experts. The stronger these ties, he said, the closer Iran moves toward a “wise diplomatic discourse.”

National Interests ‘Red Line’
He described safeguarding the interests of the Iranian people as the highest expediency in foreign policy, calling it a “red line” for the negotiating team. Iran, he said, must take “bold and steady steps” — from a position of dignity and wisdom — to remove what he called unjust sanctions and to protect the country’s nuclear rights.

Diplomacy and recent negotiations, he added, are only one part of a broader cycle aimed at securing national interests. Iran’s foreign policy, he said, extends beyond the nuclear file and operates within the framework of dignity, wisdom and expediency across economic, managerial and legislative domains, making use of the country’s human capital.

Negotiations are progressing not in isolation but alongside active diplomacy, deterrent defense power and what he described as a smart political strategy, he said. “By combining active diplomacy with a display of strength in the field, Iran has created conditions in which continued U.S. threats have become highly costly and minimally effective.”

Constitutional Principles
Abu Torabi Fard also pointed to constitutional foundations of Iran’s foreign policy, saying the charter outlines an independent approach focused on national interests and strengthening the Islamic community.

He cited Article 11 of the constitution, which states that all Muslims form a single nation and obliges the government to pursue policies aimed at unity among Islamic countries. He also referenced Article 152, which emphasizes rejection of domination, preservation of independence and territorial integrity, defense of the rights of Muslims, non-alignment with hegemonic powers and peaceful relations with non-hostile states.