American analyst: Iran shows Tehran’s doors to diplomacy are open from position of strength

Pars Today – Giorgio Cafiero, an analyst on West Asian affairs, stated that during the 12-day conflict, Iran’s diplomatic apparatus managed to strike a precise balance between resilience and engagement. He added that Iran’s current approach is based on strategic patience, the preservation of national dignity, and steadfastness in the face of external pressures.

Giorgio Cafiero, an American analyst on West Asian affairs and Executive Director of the Persian Gulf State Analytics Institute, told IRNA in an exclusive interview in New York that Tehran has clearly stated it will not negotiate under pressure or threat, emphasizing that dialogues must be conducted based on mutual respect and sovereign equality, not coercion or intimidation.

According to Pars Today, he added that Iran’s continued participation in key diplomatic meetings — including sessions with the three European countries (the UK, France, and Germany) and the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation — demonstrates Tehran’s commitment to dialogue and multilateralism.

The American analyst emphasized that Iran’s Foreign Minister’s overland trip to Turkey, at a time when the country was facing external threats, was a symbol of Iran’s determination and prudence, sending a clear message: even in the most challenging circumstances, Iran maintains its connections with regional and international actors.

Cafiero continued: Overall, the Islamic Republic of Iran has successfully demonstrated that its doors to diplomacy remain open, but not from a position of weakness. Iran’s current approach is based on strategic patience, the preservation of national dignity, and steadfastness in the face of external pressures.

Giorgio Cafiero highlighted that the Islamic Republic of Iran’s foreign policy focuses on two main objectives. First, it aims to enhance deterrence against threats stemming from the U.S.-Israel alliance, with the clear goal of preventing any military aggression. To achieve this, Iran has both strengthened its military readiness and issued warnings to increase the costs of such actions for its adversaries.

He added that the second objective is Tehran’s pursuit of greater national capacity and economic resilience in the face of ongoing Western sanctions. This includes deepening ties with regional countries and non-Western powers, particularly China, as well as supporting domestic production to reduce dependency on foreign nations.

The American political analyst stated that this set of measures reflects a broader strategic vision aimed at safeguarding Iran’s sovereignty and stability amid complex international conditions, geopolitical tensions, and severe economic pressures.

Giorgio Cafiero also spoke about the importance of Iran’s presence in regional and international organizations, stating that Iran’s active participation in non-Western bodies such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and BRICS Plus has enhanced its strategic depth. By demonstrating that it has viable options outside Western frameworks, Iran strengthens its sovereignty. This, in turn, supports the country’s economic resilience and national security by expanding international cooperation and reducing vulnerability to the coercion of Washington and Tel Aviv.