TEHRAN – Iran’s top diplomats have emphasized the critical importance of bolstering the country’s military capabilities as an indispensable element of national security and regional stability, amid heightened tensions in West Asia and persistent threats from hostile powers.
Muhammad Keshavarzzadeh, former Iranian ambassador to China and a senior foreign ministry official, underscored Tehran’s position that increasing military strength is not only necessary but essential for protecting the Islamic Republic from external aggression.
“Military power is a necessity, not an option,” Keshavarzzadeh said in a recent interview. “We must never neglect our defense capabilities, especially in these sensitive times. Our military strength must be maintained at the highest possible level alongside our diplomatic efforts.”
Iran’s foreign ministry is currently navigating a challenging geopolitical environment, marked by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian groups in Gaza, escalating tensions across Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen, and confrontations with the United States. The ministry’s dual approach emphasizes robust defense readiness paired with sustained diplomatic engagement.
The diplomat recalled how previous U.S. administrations, particularly under President Donald Trump, grossly misjudged Iran’s resilience, wrongly assuming Tehran could be swiftly subdued by military force. “They underestimated Iran’s domestic strength and regional alliances,” Keshavarzzadeh noted.
Iran has long faced hostility from the United States and Israel, which Tehran considers its primary adversaries. Officials emphasize that trust has never been the basis for Iran’s international negotiations, but rather a pragmatic calculation of national interests.
“Negotiations are conducted based on interests, not trust,” Keshavarzzadeh said, reflecting on decades of U.S. sanctions and hostile policies targeting Iran. “We have never had any illusions about American goodwill.”
Despite these challenges, Iranian officials stress that diplomatic dialogue remains crucial. “Negotiations should continue under all circumstances, with clear and non-negotiable principles,” Keshavarzzadeh said. “Engagement with Europe and the United States is important, but never at the expense of our defense capabilities.”
Iran is also working to diversify its international relations by strengthening ties with Eastern powers like China, aiming to reduce regional tensions and counterbalance Western pressure.
Public diplomacy is another key component of Tehran’s strategy. Officials encourage increased cultural and academic exchanges with the United States and other countries to foster mutual understanding despite political hostilities. 
Keshavarzzadeh cited the importance of engaging directly with the people of America to counteract what Iran describes as the influence of hostile lobbying groups.
“As we have seen, the U.S. government is often influenced by pro-Israeli lobbies that seek to marginalize Iran’s role,” he said. “Direct people-to-people contacts can help change perceptions.”
Iran’s leadership appears committed to maintaining a balanced policy that combines military deterrence with diplomatic outreach. The government sees this dual-track approach as essential for safeguarding its sovereignty and promoting regional peace.
“The foundation of our security lies in the synergy between a strong military and capable diplomacy,” Keshavarzzadeh said. “We must strengthen both to ensure Iran’s stability and influence.”
The call to increase military power comes amid ongoing regional instability and unresolved conflicts, with Tehran signaling that it will neither back down nor reduce its defense readiness despite external pressures.