Driving the news:
Speaking to parliament on Tuesday, Qalibaf underlined Iran’s firm stance on self-defense and highlighted recent achievements in the country’s space program as proof of domestic scientific capacity and youth-driven progress. In the same address, he praised Iran’s young scientists for successfully launching multiple satellites, saying the same generation is capable of resolving the country’s managerial imbalances if given the opportunity.
What he's saying:
“I once again emphasize that Iran does not seek permission from anyone to defend itself; the response of the Iranian people to any adventurism and mischief will be wide-ranging, uncompromising, and even unexpected,” Qalibaf said.
He added, “Iran’s decisions and actions to secure its interests and for its legitimate and rightful self-defense will not necessarily be predictable or similar to the past.”
Qalibaf congratulated “the young scientists of the space industry and the dear people” on the successful launches, stressing that the satellites were built “in knowledge-based companies and university groups across the country and by our own elite young people.”
Qalibaf concluded that “young people who can build satellites and missiles, if given the opportunity and if closed and monopolistic mindsets allow, can also resolve managerial imbalances,” framing youth empowerment as a strategic necessity for Iran’s future.
Why it matters:
Qalibaf’s remarks send a clear political and strategic message amid regional tensions, reinforcing Iran’s deterrence doctrine while linking national security to indigenous scientific and technological advancement.
Key points:
- Qalibaf praised Iranian youth for proving the slogan “We can.”
- He said the achievements demonstrate that “no power can prevent the progress of Iran and Iranians.”
- He cited the construction of Zafar-2 alone as involving “nearly 340,000 person-hours of specialized work” and the production of “dozens of complex components.”
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