Martyred Leader Prioritized Independence, Good-Neighborly Policy: Former FM Salehi

IQNA – Former Iranian foreign minister Ali Akbar Salehi said martyred Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei placed political independence at the core of Iran's foreign policy while advocating constructive relations with neighboring countries and vigilance against the policies of hegemonic powers.

News ID: 3498180

Date: 09 July 2026 - 15:31

In an interview published on Thursday, Salehi said the Leader regarded Iran's political independence as the Islamic Revolution's greatest achievement and consistently emphasized the principles of "dignity, wisdom and expediency" as the foundation of the country's foreign policy.

"He attached special importance to preserving the country's political independence," Salehi said.

Recalling his time as foreign minister, Salehi said the Leader also encouraged goodwill toward neighboring states, even those whose relations with Iran were strained.

"The Leader said, and I quote exactly: 'If they seek your help, help them,'" Salehi recalled, describing the remark as a reflection of the Leader's commitment to regional stability and easing tensions.

According to Salehi, the Leader's foreign policy doctrine rested on three key principles: safeguarding Iran's independence, promoting stability and good-neighborly relations, and remaining alert to the "conspiracies and deceit of global hegemonic powers."

"The view of our great martyred Leader toward foreign policy was safeguarding independence for our dear country Iran, goodwill and stability for neighbors, and simultaneously maintaining vigilance against the conspiracies and deceit of global hegemonic ill-wishers," he said.

Addressing Iran-US relations, Salehi said the Leader did not reject scientific or economic engagement with the United States but believed political negotiations should take place only when Iran was in a position of strength.

"We have no problem with having scientific or even economic relations with America... Our problem is entering into political negotiations—now is not the time. When the time comes, I will announce it," Salehi quoted the Leader as saying.

Salehi said the Leader believed any future political engagement with Washington should be conducted from a position of equality, in line with the principles of independence, dignity, wisdom and expediency.

Source: PressTV