On March 11, Mohsen Rezaei, a member of Iran's Expediency Discernment Council, delivered a speech highlighting a strategic vision to safeguard national interests amid a volatile regional landscape. Rezaei, a former commander of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), argued that strengthening internal resilience and enhancing international cooperation are key to addressing challenges.
Speaking at a symposium, Rezaei emphasized three main pillars: sustainable economic development, bolstering defense capabilities, and expanding diplomatic ties with neighboring countries. He noted that Iran needs to reduce its dependence on oil and promote economic diversification to build a solid foundation against international sanctions.
The former IRGC commander also called for greater domestic unity, stressing that cohesion among political factions and communities is decisive in overcoming external pressure. He proposed establishing national dialogue forums to resolve internal disagreements and focus on shared goals.
On foreign policy, Rezaei suggested that Iran should prioritize strengthening relations with Middle Eastern neighbors while opening new diplomatic channels with Asia and Africa. He underscored the importance of building regional trust through bilateral trade and security agreements.
Rezaei's speech drew attention from analysts, coming as Iran faces multiple economic and security challenges. Observers say these proposals reflect Tehran's pursuit of long-term stability and development.