In a statement released on Wednesday, Mohammad Reza Aref stressed that the enduring stability and triumphant power currently observed in Iran stem from the teachings of the school of thought of late Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei.
The vice president noted that this ideological framework places the essence of power beyond individuals, rooted instead in the will of the nation and the divine structure of the ruling system.
As Iran marks the 40th day since the onset of intense conflict against the "front of evil," Aref emphasized the nation’s ability to navigate through a full-scale war against numerous adversaries.
He noted that during these past forty days, not only were the calculations of Iran's enemies disrupted, but the display of national determination also opened new horizons in the understanding of its allies. This prolonged conflict was characterized not merely as a military victory but as a significant turning point in altering strategic equations both regionally and globally, he added.
The vice president criticized Iran's "barbaric and uncivilized enemies," saying they miscalculated the situation, believing the loss of a significant Leader would mark the end of an era.
Aref asserted that the resolute stand of the people during this period inflicted a historic defeat on the political and security structures of imperialist forces. He also expressed that, leveraging the legacy of the Khamenei school, Iran has sought to re-engineer power dynamics and that today’s victory serves as a scientific and decisive response to empty theories of destabilization.
He then acknowledged the enthusiastic participation of the Iranian people in public demonstrations, which he described as manifestations of the soft power of the establishment, along with the brave efforts of the Armed Forces on the battlefield. Aref proclaimed that the balance of power has shifted in favor of righteousness, witnessing the capitulation of some of the world’s most oppressive regimes to this resolute will. He declared that the post-war world would be fundamentally different, urging the world's freedom-loving people to recognize the rise of a powerful Iran as a harbinger of liberation from imperialist oppression.
Expressing gratitude for Pakistan’s supportive stance, Aref indicated that Iran would actively participate in the Islamabad negotiations with complete authority yet maintained a profound skepticism regarding the deceptive nature of the US. He emphasized the goal of these talks would be to diplomatically solidify the military gains achieved.
In this historic moment, Aref expressed solidarity with the courageous forces actively defending the nation and highlighted the importance of ongoing vigilance and readiness within Iran's defense apparatus. He assured that the government representatives would continuously work alongside the defenders at the front lines to ensure economic stability, prosperity, and the robust rebuilding of national infrastructure.
The US and the Israeli regime launched a large-scale unprovoked military campaign against Iran following the assassination of then Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, along with several senior military commanders and civilians on February 28.
In retaliation, Iranian Armed Forces launched attacks on American and Israeli positions in the region, demonstrating their capability to strike back effectively. Despite initial expectations by the attackers of a swift victory, the Iranian response proved significantly more potent, inflicting heavy damage on US and Israeli military resources while rallying the nation's unity and resistance.
While the US president had issued an ultimatum, Pakistani mediation facilitated an agreement for a two-week ceasefire during which negotiations would take place in Islamabad. Iran has proposed a ten-point plan as the foundation for discussions, seeking terms such as the withdrawal of US forces from the region, lifting sanctions, and establishing control over the Strait of Hormuz.
The Supreme National Security Council of Iran emphasized on April 8 that the aggression led to a historic victory for Iran, compelling the US to accept negotiation terms, including a plan for guaranteed non-aggression and the cessation of hostilities.
Iran has stressed that the negotiations would not signify an end to the conflict but rather an extension of the battlefield into diplomatic efforts, with a clear stance of distrust towards the US.