Leadership in Iran should capitalize on a “window for diplomacy” with the US, former Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has said, suggesting that the current stage of the conflict may help Tehran negotiate itself into a better position on the world stage.
Zarif, who does not currently serve within the Iranian political system, made his comments amid a growing debate within Iran’s political establishment over the country’s post-war direction.
While pragmatists see diplomacy with Washington as an opportunity, hardliners have criticized renewed engagement, highlighting deep divisions over Iran’s future.
“Under current conditions, even Iran’s friends in the Global South are reluctant to openly support Iran against the United States and the West,” he claimed.
Going forward, Iran needs to use the Strait of Hormuz as leverage in negotiations, but not keep it closed in a way that turns the world against it, Zarif suggested.
The country should establish a coalition with countries including Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Pakistan, Qatar, Oman, Indonesia, and Malaysia, and also rebuild its relations with Europe, he continued, adding that Iranian cooperation with Russia and China “should be based on the intrinsic value of these relationships, not on Iran’s need or weakness.”