WANA (Aug 18) – Iran’s First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref said on Monday that while the country is not seeking war, its strategy is clear: if war is initiated against Iran, it will be Iran that decides its end.

 

Speaking at a consultative meeting with university leaders, Aref stated, “We are in a situation where a war was imposed on us. We are not in a ceasefire, but rather in a state of suspended fire. Therefore, we must be prepared at every moment to confront the enemy.”

 

He stressed that Iran prefers dialogue to resolve disputes but questioned whether the opposing side genuinely believes in negotiations.

 

“They talk about freedom and human rights, but in their view, whatever they say, others must obey. This is Western human rights, this is Western civilization. We are not war-seekers, but if they start a war, ending it will be in our hands.”

 

Aref also offered condolences over the recent loss of Iranian academics and students during the 12-day conflict, calling their “martyrdom” both an honor and a major loss for the country’s education system.

 

He praised universities for remaining at the forefront of the nation’s progress despite decades of challenges, highlighting their central role in producing knowledge, nurturing youth, and safeguarding social capital.

 

Emphasizing the importance of embracing modern technologies, Aref said, “If we do not enter the realm of soft power and prepare for its challenges, we cannot govern the country. The foundation of the 12-day war was software, a soft act in a soft space. The future cannot be managed with the hard tools of the past.”

 

He referred to Iran’s 20-year national vision document, noting that the country was meant to achieve regional influence in science, economy, and new technologies, in addition to political and strategic goals. He said the current administration shares this vision and expects universities to prioritize government strategies.

 

Aref underlined the need for a fundamental reassessment of higher education: “Over the past 50 years, we have achieved significant progress—expanding student numbers from 175,000 to 4 million, strengthening graduate programs, boosting research, and raising Iran’s global scientific standing, including reaching single-digit global rankings in some technologies. But we must also identify shortcomings. Universities should first find solutions for themselves before solving the country’s economic problems.”

 

He also stressed the importance of evaluating past decades: “We must see where we have performed well and continue that path, and where we can improve, we must make corrections. Some policies that were necessary in the 1980s or 1990s may no longer be relevant today and should not be repeated.”

People attend the funeral procession of Iranian military commanders, nuclear scientists and others killed in Israeli strikes, in Tehran, Iran, June 28, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

People attend the funeral procession of Iranian military commanders, nuclear scientists, and others killed in Israeli strikes, in Tehran, Iran, June 28, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)