Former Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has urgently called for a strategic settlement with the US to stop regional war. Zarif argued that Tehran currently holds the “upper hand” in its ongoing conflict against the US and Israeli forces. However, he believes the Islamic Republic must now leverage this strength to prevent further civilian deaths and infrastructure damage.
Writing for Foreign Affairs, the veteran diplomat, who served from 2013 to 2021, suggested offering significant concessions to Washington in exchange for total sanctions relief. Zarif proposed that Iran should strictly limit its nuclear program and officially reopen the vital Strait of Hormuz to international shipping.
“Iran should use its upper hand not to keep fighting but to declare victory and make a deal,” Zarif wrote.
He also advocated for a mutual “nonaggression pact” and the establishment of formal economic relations between the two long-term rivals. These nations have lacked formal diplomatic ties since the aftermath of the 1979 Islamic Revolution changed the global political landscape.
Navigating Political Tensions
Although Zarif helped architect the 2015 nuclear deal, he currently holds no official post within the hardline Iranian government. His public call for peace contrasts sharply with the rhetoric of top military officials who demand a total US defeat. Consequently, his proposal arrives during a period of extreme tension as President Donald Trump issues increasingly aggressive warnings toward Tehran.
Trump recently threatened to send Iran “back to the stone ages” if the country fails to agree to American terms. Zarif expressed his personal conflict over the situation on social media, noting his outrage at such “reckless aggression” and insults.
“Yet I’m convinced that war must end on terms consistent with Iran’s national interests,” the former diplomat stated on X.
Finally, Zarif warned that continuing the fight would only deepen civilian suffering and infrastructure damage. “Although continuing to fight the US and Israel might be psychologically satisfying, it will lead only to the further destruction of civilian lives and infrastructure,” he cautioned. His proposal marks a rare high-profile call for de-escalation amid daily calls from Iranian military and political leaders for intensified conflict.
