Why it matters:
Aref’s remarks signal Iran’s continued defiance of external pressure on its nuclear program. His statements also frame the issue within a broader cultural and ideological context, reinforcing the link between Iranian civilization, Islamic values, and national sovereignty.
The big picture:
Aref’s speech also underscores Iran’s efforts to counter Iranophobia, positioning Iranian culture as a force for global progress rather than a threat.
What he’s saying:
Iran's vice president said: “We must use nuclear technology just like any other technology, and we will. In this regard, we neither seek consultation nor accept orders from anyone.”
“Iranophobia is an injustice to civilization—a civilization that is meant to save humanity.”
“Iranian culture, alongside Islam, is a source of salvation. We no longer separate Iranian culture from Islamic culture; today, Iran means Islamic Iran.”
Go deeper:
By linking nuclear policy to civilizational discourse, Aref positions Iran’s technological advancements within a historical and ideological framework—one that reinforces the country’s resistance to external influence while promoting its cultural and linguistic leadership on the global stage.
Mojtaba Darabi