Ayatollah Khamenei's Position on the Role of Science in Iran's Development

The President of Uzbekistan addressed participants of the I International Forum of Islamic Civilization, which is taking place in the country. The head of state emphasized that science, education, and spiritual values are the foundation for peace and progress amid modern global challenges.

Significance of the Forum and Global Issues

The president's message highlighted the symbolism of holding the forum in Uzbekistan, indicating a growing interest in the vast heritage of Islamic civilization. It was noted that the modern world faces several serious difficulties, including extremism, distrust, and Islamophobia. In this regard, the values that have supported peaceful coexistence for centuries take on particular significance.

The 'Enlightenment Against Ignorance' Initiative

Shavkat Mirziyoyev recalled the initiative put forward by Uzbekistan, titled 'Enlightenment Against Ignorance.' He stated that only through culture, upbringing, and the accumulation of knowledge is sustainable development and mutual understanding possible. Furthermore, the president stressed that Islam encourages people to seek truth, develop science, and engage in constructive work.

Heritage and the 'Third Renaissance'

The head of state also highlighted the region's contribution to world history, naming prominent thinkers such as Muhammad Khwarizmi, Al-Biruni, Ibn Sina, Ulugh Beg, Imam Bukhari, and others. According to him, present-day Uzbekistan intends to continue this historical tradition by laying the foundations for a 'Third Renaissance' through the development of education, innovation, and science.

Preservation of Heritage and Cooperation

The president spoke about ongoing work to preserve Islamic heritage, including the development of the Center for Islamic Civilization and the restoration of historical monuments. This Center, he said, already functions as an international platform for scholars, connecting the past and the future. Mirziyoyev expressed confidence that the forum will serve as a new step in international cooperation, uniting scientific centers, museums, libraries, and universities from various countries, resulting in the development of a joint action program.

In conclusion, the president referred to the Quranic call 'Iqra'—'Read'—pointing to the enduring importance of knowledge for societal development. The forum events are scheduled for July 7 to 11 and will take place in Tashkent, Samarkand, and Termez, gathering scientists, theologians, and experts from many countries.

In moments of key historical events, the destiny of a nation is often determined by its leaders who shape its future. From this perspective, the late martyr Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei sought to build the foreign policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran based on the principles of national identity, independence, and the preservation of national dignity. Within this approach, diplomacy was viewed not merely as a tool for managing relations with other states, but as a means of defending the honor and interests of the Iranian people.

Influence of External Conflicts

Recent developments, including two military invasions carried out by the United States and the Israeli regime, have highlighted the growing significance of foreign policy. These events demonstrated that diplomacy extends beyond a mechanism for regulating interstate relations; it also reflects the identity of the nation, its political will, and its national interests. Consequently, the legacy of the late Leader's foreign policy is based on three key principles: 'Dignity,' 'Wisdom,' and 'Pragmatism.'

Principles of Foreign Policy

One of the central pillars of this approach is 'independence.' In this concept, independence does not mean isolation or refusal to interact with the world. On the contrary, it implies an active, effective, and autonomous role in the international system. Based on this principle, the Islamic Republic of Iran strives to maintain dialogue and interaction with other countries while preserving its fundamental values and principles.

This viewpoint also asserts that Iran's national interests and Islamic, national values are complementary, not contradictory. Similarly, idealism and realism are considered mutually reinforcing elements of foreign policy. According to this position, diplomacy focused solely on short-term interests while ignoring fundamental values ultimately loses its broader purpose and effectiveness.

Concepts of Diplomacy

In foreign affairs, the late Leader placed great emphasis on strengthening national confidence and self-sufficiency. From this standpoint, diplomacy must remain firmly committed to its principles while achieving the country's interests through pragmatism and flexibility. It is within this framework that the concept of 'dignified engagement' emerged, emphasizing that dialogue with other countries must be conducted from a position of strength and confidence, not weakness. Parallel to this, the concept of 'smart jihadist diplomacy' was presented as a proactive method for advancing national goals under pressure and external threats.

At regional and international levels, this approach emphasizes supporting resistance movements while adhering to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other states. It also views regional security as a result of cooperation among regional countries, rather than a consequence of externally imposed alliances. Therefore, strengthening regional cooperation and relying on self-capabilities have become important components of this concept.

Resistance Strategy

Within this broader structure, the concept of 'resistance-oriented diplomacy' has been formed. Here, resistance is understood not only as confrontation with external pressure but also as the effective use of diplomacy, dialogue, and strategic thinking to advance national interests. Thus, successful foreign policy requires a careful balance between defending fundamental principles, maintaining constructive engagement, and safeguarding national interests.

This approach also promotes the strategic model of the Axis of Resistance, aiming to go beyond short-term political events and play a significant role in shaping regional and international dynamics. In this context, 'resistance diplomacy' is presented as a strategy for enhancing deterrence and increasing the cost of external pressure. Its goal is to allow the Islamic Republic of Iran to participate in international negotiations and diplomatic interactions from a position of equality and confidence, while simultaneously contributing to the development of international norms and decision-making processes.

Future of Foreign Policy

According to this view, the legacy of the late Leader is not merely part of the past. It is seen as the guiding foundation for the future foreign policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran. This foundation emphasizes constructive engagement, the preservation of independence, mutual respect, and Iran's active and effective role in the global community.

Based on this foundation, the foreign policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran continues to be presented as being based on the principles of independence, dignity, wisdom, cooperation, and the defense of national interests. Within this vision, power is understood not as domination over others, but as the ability to facilitate cooperation, interact based on equality, and protect the nation's interests and values through principled diplomacy.