Former Iran FM's Remarks on Ambassadors as Quds Force Reps Spark Controversy
Translated & summarized from N12 by baba
A resurfaced video of former Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif describing ambassadors as Quds Force representatives has caused controversy in Iran. A former Revolutionary Guards official, Mohammad Kothari, confirmed that alignment with the "Axis of Resistance" is crucial for ambassadorial appointments. Kothari suggested these ambassadors should coordinate efforts against Israel, linking diplomatic roles to broader strategic objectives.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Former Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif described ambassadors as Quds Force representatives.
- A former Revolutionary Guards official, Mohammad Kothari, confirmed the importance of "Axis of Resistance" alignment for ambassadors.
- Kothari stated that ambassadors should coordinate efforts against Israel.
- The comments link Iranian diplomacy to the Revolutionary Guards' strategic goals.
- The resurfaced video is from a May 2025 speech by Zarif.
A video resurfaced from a May 2025 speech by former Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, reigniting debate in Iran about the connection between Iranian diplomacy and the Revolutionary Guards. In the clip, Zarif described Iranian ambassadors as representatives of the Quds Force, particularly in countries perceived as threats. He stated that if the regional approach is threat-focused, the ambassador should be a Quds Force representative, but if it's opportunity-focused, the ambassador should be a businessman and diplomat.
Responding to the resurfaced comments, a former senior official in the Revolutionary Guards and current member of the Iranian Parliament's National Security Committee, Mohammad Kothari, stated that aligning with the goals of the "Axis of Resistance" is a key consideration in selecting ambassadors to regional countries. He argued that diplomats acting solely within the diplomatic sphere would not succeed in these roles. Kothari emphasized the need for ambassadors to promote the goals of the "Axis of Resistance," understand its policies, and be coordinated with it.
Kothari further linked this to activity against Israel, suggesting that in light of the "crimes of the regime occupying Jerusalem," ambassadors in these countries should be able to coordinate efforts against the "occupying regime." While not directly confirming Revolutionary Guards involvement in ambassador selection, he clarified that the Foreign Ministry examines candidates' qualifications and selects them, implying a coordination of these efforts.
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