Iran Focused on Averting War and Advancing Active Diplomacy
WANA (Feb 24) – Fatemeh Mohajerani, spokesperson for the Iranian government, said at her weekly press conference on Tuesday that the administration and the broader governing system are focused on keeping the country away from the threat of war and steering the situation toward calm.
Mohajerani said that “dream sellers” and foreign actors would do nothing for Iran, describing them as “two blades of a pair of scissors” that seek to see the country divided, wounded, and weakened. She added that, with public support and by relying on knowledge and rationality, Iran will overcome the current critical juncture.
The government spokesperson stressed that efforts are aimed at countering plans that may appear to promote Iran’s development but ultimately seek to weaken and fragment the country. She described the current environment as shaped by domestic tensions and heightened external threats, adding that governing institutions and elites must pay close attention to these dynamics.
Emphasis on rationality and dialogue
Referring to external threats, Mohajerani described Israel as a major challenge and drew a historical comparison to the Mongol invasion, saying Iran has historically relied on wisdom and rationality to navigate crises. She cited the establishment of the Maragheh Observatory as an example of Iran’s scientific achievements during a turbulent historical period, adding that civilizations are built on rationality rather than emotion.
She also marked National Engineers Day, describing it as a symbol of Iran’s intellectual and scientific capacity and emphasizing the importance of a knowledge-based approach to managing challenges.
Active diplomacy and international engagement
Responding to a question about expanding international engagement despite heavy sanctions, Mohajerani said Iran’s international exchanges are at an “acceptable” level. She noted that a dedicated task force on artificial intelligence is operating under the supervision of the first vice president, pursuing targeted support for the knowledge-based economy ecosystem and advancing new technologies.
She added that active diplomacy is underway, with constructive and expanding engagement with member states of BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and neighboring countries. Despite sanctions, she said, Iran’s international scientific and technological cooperation remains on a positive and improving trajectory.
Mohajerani concluded by reiterating that the government’s overall approach is based on dialogue, rationality, and reducing tensions, with efforts focused on pursuing development in a stable environment.
Iranian Universities See Third Day of Student Gatherings
WANA (Feb 23) – Iranian students held mourning ceremonies today to commemorate those who lost their lives during the recent (December–January) unrest, expressing solidarity with their families. The gatherings mark the continuation of a series of student-led assemblies that began two days ago at universities across the country and have now entered their third […]
Government Signals Readiness to Listen to Students, Stresses Continuity of Academic Activities
Fatemeh Mohajerani also addressed developments in universities, describing students as an “active and youthful” segment of society with the right to protest, while stressing that certain red lines — including respect for religious sanctities and the national flag — must be observed even in moments of anger.
She emphasized that the proper path forward is effective dialogue and rationality rather than anger and confrontation, and thanked the ministers of science and health, university presidents, faculty members, and university staff for their patience in helping facilitate the reopening of universities. She added that the path of intellectual growth involves both tolerance and knowledge, noting that students are also aware and vigilant.
The government spokesperson said public frustrations are understood but stressed the need to move toward constructive dialogue, adding that neither academic activities should be halted nor the voices of protesters ignored.
She announced the government’s full readiness to listen to students’ concerns, saying officials will engage with students with openness and patience to hear their views and respond to their demands.
Mohajerani described the reopening of universities as essential, noting that maintaining the continuity of education is the demand of the majority of students and families. She acknowledged that while most classes are being held, a small number are not taking place due to student absences, a reality the government does not deny.
