TEHRAN (Iran News) First Vice President Mohammad-Reza Aref says the Iranian government pursues this policy that any future talks with the United States must be with authority and strength.

Aref made the remark on Saturday during a meeting with several academics from Sharif University of Technology, saying that political and military authorities are all of the same opinion that future negotiations should take place with strength, according to a news release by the presidential office.

While there may be differing opinions during the decision-making process, once a decision is finalized, those differences come to an end, he said. The administration of President Masoud Pezeshkian has no disagreements with any factions within the system, and the government favors negotiating with strength, the VP added.

He also praised the role of the Iranian people in the 12-day war imposed by the Israeli regime last month, saying that the people’s contribution to defending the country against the adversary was crucial, as the enemy’s strategy was to trigger unrest in Iran. However, he added, the people stood firm and thwarted this plot.

Social cohesion and community trust have been strengthened after the war, but it is essential to maintain them, he said, adding that academics must step forward in these circumstances and propose practical and strategic solutions to preserve social cohesion.

Israel launched its war of aggression against Iran on June 13, three days ahead of a planned sixth round of talks between Tehran and Washington over the Iranian nuclear program. Israel attacked nuclear sites and residential areas, assassinating top military officials and nuclear scientists, and killing civilians.

The war came to an end by a ceasefire announced on June 24, after 12 days. The Israeli attacks left 1,060 people killed in Iran, according to the head of Iran’s Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans Affairs, Saeed Ohaddi.

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TEHRAN (Iran News)  First Vice President Mohammad-Reza Aref has described reconstruction as the most important national priority, following the 12-day war imposed by the Israeli regime and the United States.

In a meeting with managers from the National Development Group Investment Company on Monday, Aref said that Iran must “demonstrate its ability to rebuild all postwar sectors.”

He called on the country’s economic sectors to prioritize their social responsibility over corporate interests by focusing on the resettlement of those affected by the war.

“There was not a single flaw in the performance of our economic front during the 12-day war,” he said, adding that the administration had prepared a war economy plan early in its term, anticipating reduced oil revenues.

Aref also warned against trusting Israel or the United States in the aftermath of the ceasefire, saying there is no guarantee of their promises as “global arrogance has put on its agenda the overthrow the Islamic establishment over the past 40 years.”

However, he said that the Iranian nation, like before, foiled the enemies plot of creating a discord between the people and the government.

Hailing the swift and punitive response to aggressors by the Iranian Armed Forces, Aref underlined that the country made good use of past experiences, especially the eight years of sacred defense.

Aref appreciated the Armed Forces for their great achievements and being able to defeat the Israeli regime, despite the loss of some top commanders and scientists who help established the country’s defense, he added.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) TEHRAN – First Vice President, Mohammad Reza Aref, has stated that while no meeting between two individuals is entirely impossible, holding talks with former U.S. President Donald Trump is not on the agenda of the Islamic Republic.

During a press briefing following a government cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Aref responded to Trump’s recent remarks about potential negotiations with the Iranian president. He emphasized that Iran’s strategic policies, particularly in defense, have always been clear, stable, and long-term.

Aref reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to its religious decree (fatwa) against nuclear weapons. “If Trump believes that Iran should not pursue nuclear weapons, he can rest assured, as our policy on this matter is permanent. We have a clear strategy, and our stance on this issue has not changed,” he asserted.

He also referenced a government exhibition showcasing achievements of the Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Support, highlighting Iran’s progress in scientific self-sufficiency and food security. “The exhibition displayed valuable advancements in industrial sectors, artificial intelligence, and the oil industry, as well as significant progress in food security and agriculture,” he noted.

Aref acknowledged Iran’s reliance on imported essential goods, particularly cooking oil, but stressed that efforts are underway to achieve self-sufficiency. “We hope to expand these efforts beyond oil to other sectors and ultimately reach self-sufficiency in agriculture,” he stated.

He further emphasized Iran’s commitment to self-reliance in defense, declaring, “We are not a nation that seeks war, but we will firmly defend ourselves and procure the necessary equipment. We also believe that peaceful nuclear technology should be accessible to all nations for maximum benefit.”

Regarding Iran’s economic situation, Aref reaffirmed the government’s commitment to structural and economic reforms. “Our top priority is the livelihood of the people,” he said, explaining that the government is implementing a five-pillar economic plan aimed at improving living conditions.

He acknowledged short-term economic hardships but assured that the government is implementing support packages, particularly for vulnerable groups. “Market regulation is a key focus, and committees within relevant agencies are actively monitoring inflation. We have already seen a significant decline in inflation rates, and we aim to achieve sustainable economic growth,” he added.

Addressing concerns over Iran’s currency exchange policy, Aref highlighted the government’s goal of stabilizing the exchange rate by adopting a single-rate currency system. “The integration of different exchange rates into a single market will help balance supply and demand. Although there have been fluctuations, we believe that stabilizing the market will resolve existing challenges,” he explained.

He also acknowledged public concerns regarding the slow implementation of policies, expressing hope that collaboration between the Ministry of Industry and the Central Bank would resolve currency-related issues and ensure businesses receive the necessary foreign exchange resources.

Aref outlined the government’s foreign policy approach, emphasizing enhanced trade relations. “Our primary focus is strengthening ties with neighboring and regional countries, followed by Islamic nations and other interested countries. Africa is also a priority,” he stated.

He highlighted Iran’s active participation in regional economic unions, including its recent observer status in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). “We have signed a free trade agreement with EAEU members, which has been ratified by the Iranian parliament. Although some legal amendments are required, this agreement will significantly boost trade and cooperation,” he explained.

Aref also noted Iran’s efforts to develop major trade corridors, including the North-South and East-West routes, with infrastructure projects such as the Basra-Shalamcheh and Chabahar-Zahedan railway lines expected to enhance trade relations.

Addressing speculation about the role of former national security official Ali Shamkhani in nuclear negotiations, Aref clarified that Iran’s foreign ministry is solely responsible for handling nuclear talks. “Decisions on major foreign policy matters are made by the Supreme National Security Council and require the Supreme Leader’s approval. The foreign ministry leads negotiations, with contributions from experts in relevant committees,” he stated.

Aref also addressed Iran’s privatization efforts, emphasizing that it is a key government policy and a legal obligation. However, he stressed the importance of ensuring privatization is conducted under proper conditions, including job security and industrial growth. “The government remains committed to privatization, including in major industries such as Iran Khodro, but the process must be carefully managed to protect employment and production,” he said.

In response to questions about alleged dual citizenship concerns within the administration, Aref dismissed the claims as inappropriate, especially during the anniversary of the Islamic Revolution. “Everyone, including government officials, must adhere to the law. Any legal concerns should be addressed through proper channels, rather than being used for political maneuvering,” he stated.

Iran’s Vice President reiterated the government’s focus on economic stability, self-sufficiency, and regional cooperation. He ruled out negotiations with Trump, reaffirmed Iran’s anti-nuclear stance, and outlined policies aimed at economic growth, market regulation, and currency stabilization. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of trade partnerships, infrastructure development, and privatization while clarifying the role of the foreign ministry in nuclear negotiations.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) During his visit to Kazakhstan for the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) Intergovernmental Council meeting, Mohammad Reza Aref highlighted the importance of regional economic alliances, stating that Iran has no choice but to actively engage in significant regional unions and agreements. He noted that Iran’s efforts in foreign policy and economic diplomacy have led to the country’s participation in such organizations.

Aref recalled his initial efforts in securing Iran’s presence in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) during the reformist government. He acknowledged that Iran faced challenges in the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) due to competition with certain member states, which prevented the country from fully utilizing its potential in the organization.

However, he pointed out that Iran faced no political obstacles in joining the Eurasian Economic Union and that member states have welcomed Iran’s participation. The culmination of these efforts has been a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Iran and the EAEU, an essential milestone that will facilitate trade by eliminating barriers. The agreement has already been approved by the Iranian Parliament and awaits final confirmation by the Guardian Council before implementation.

Aref stressed the necessity of private sector involvement in Iran’s economy, stating that the government has recognized that economic goals such as 8% GDP growth and reduced inflation and unemployment cannot be achieved without private sector participation. He clarified that the government’s role is not to control the economy but to provide necessary tools, remove obstacles, and facilitate private sector activities, as outlined in Iran’s Seventh Development Plan.

Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of providing a secure investment environment for Iranian entrepreneurs, both domestically and abroad, to encourage their active participation in the country’s economic landscape. According to Aref, this policy has been well received and is being actively pursued under the current administration.

Recognizing the impact of economic sanctions, Aref noted that the government is prepared to revise laws and regulations to support private sector involvement. He recalled that during the early years of the Islamic Republic, a state-controlled economy was prioritized, but this approach was eventually reformed with the introduction of Article 44 of the Constitution, which promoted privatization and reduced state monopolies.

He assured that the government is committed to resolving challenges rather than imposing restrictions on businesses, emphasizing that leveraging private sector capabilities and engaging in regional and international economic agreements are key strategies for countering sanctions.

Addressing concerns raised by Iranian business leaders in Kazakhstan, Aref acknowledged the economic difficulties caused by Western-imposed sanctions. He criticized these sanctions as unjust and politically motivated, stating that Western nations use them as a tool to pressure Iran despite being fully aware of Iran’s commitment to non-proliferation, as evidenced by the Supreme Leader’s religious decree against nuclear weapons.

He asserted that Iran has never surrendered to external pressure and has continuously found ways to navigate and mitigate the effects of sanctions. One of Iran’s primary strategies in this regard has been the development of international trade corridors, which are actively being discussed in government meetings.

Aref underscored the importance of long-term government support for private sector growth, citing examples of countries that have secured strong regional economic positions through sustained support for their businesses. He acknowledged that Iran has previously neglected opportunities in Central Asia and called for renewed efforts to strengthen economic ties with neighboring countries.

He also stressed the need for improving the quality and packaging of Iranian products to meet international standards and compete effectively in global markets.

Aref highlighted the deep cultural and historical connections between Iran and neighboring nations, noting that many countries in the region share common heritage with Iran. He pointed out that regional cooperation should be built upon these shared cultural and economic foundations, which can foster stronger diplomatic and trade relations.

He recounted his experiences as the President of the University of Tehran, noting that Iran’s educational institutions are highly regarded across the region. He emphasized the need to preserve and leverage this intellectual capital to enhance Iran’s soft power and economic influence.

During the meeting, Iranian business representatives in Kazakhstan presented their challenges and discussed potential solutions with government officials, demonstrating a strong commitment to fostering economic collaboration and overcoming existing obstacles.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) Mohammad Reza Aref made these remarks during the “Performance Review and Strategic Development Plans for the Oil Refining and Distribution Sector” meeting held on Sunday night. The session was attended by senior government officials and representatives from the country’s top 10 refineries.

Commending the efforts of managers and workers in this field, Aref described their work as a “major achievement” and noted that the oil industry, alongside its upstream sectors such as refineries, plays a strategic role in the country’s economy.

After hearing the senior managers’ proposals for enhancing the industry and addressing existing gaps, Aref stressed the importance of prioritizing the expansion of existing refineries and completing ongoing projects over building new ones.

Addressing the refinery managers, Aref urged them to take ambitious steps by utilizing advanced technologies and leveraging the potential of young Iranian talent. He also highlighted a nostalgic era when top high school students viewed the petroleum engineering field as a top career choice, urging a return to such conditions to attract elite university graduates to the industry.

The Vice President assured managers of the government’s full cooperation in resolving customs-related issues for upgrading and modernizing refineries. However, he also emphasized the need to adhere strictly to environmental regulations to ensure that development projects do not harm the environment.

He further stated that increasing refinery efficiency—targeted at a 2.8% annual growth under current laws—requires leveraging modern technologies. He lamented that misjudged priorities in the past had led to missed opportunities, such as delaying sulfur removal from refineries, which could have been accomplished for $1 billion decades ago but now requires several times that amount.

Aref also highlighted the significant blow that energy imbalances have dealt to the industry. He warned that such disruptions ripple across interconnected sectors, compounding challenges throughout the economy.

Concluding his remarks, Aref underscored the necessity of structural reforms in the oil refining sector, which he said would reduce dependence on imports and create export opportunities. He also stressed that refinery development must align with territorial planning policies, as outlined in the Seventh Development Plan.

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“The view of the Hope faction is that the president do some actions to promote the competence of the government’s economic team, however, if under any reasons the president does not see it expedient the Majlis will do its duty and now some impeachments are under study,” Aref told a press conference.

He added, “We need more serious actions in the economic team of the government.”

He said 200 lawmakers have signed a letter urging Rouhani to shake up his economic team, IRNA reported.

He said Rouhani’s efforts to resolve the country’s economic issues is “visible”, adding though the government is “facing numerous problems, we believe that the president is capable of resolving the issues.”

The lawmaker dismissed rumors that his parliamentary faction is seeking to impeach the president, saying, “We might someday wish to ask question from the president but impeachment is not on our agenda at all.”

Since U.S. President Donald Trump withdrew the United States from the 2015 nuclear agreement and announced a reimposition of sanctions on Iran, prices of gold coin and foreign currencies have increased greatly, affecting prices of other commodities in the country.

Trump has also asked other countries to stop their purchases of the Iranian oil by November otherwise they face secondary sanctions.

Iranian officials have vowed to disappoint the U.S. through reliance on local capacities. Since the U.S. exit from the nuclear deal, top officials have held several meetings to address the country’s economic issues.

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