Key Points from Hassan Rouhani’s Remarks on Iran’s Talks in Muscat

According to Rokna, in its editorial that Rouhani’s recent statements, expressed during a meeting with ministers and deputies from his presidential period, carry significant importance and emphasis in analyzing current issues in Iranian society. The first and most important point is the necessity of an accurate assessment of one’s own power and that of opponents and adversaries.

Sun Tzu, the Chinese strategist and military philosopher, in his book The Art of War, asserts: “If you know both the enemy and yourself, you will not be defeated in a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.”

Perhaps for this reason, Rouhani emphasizes strengthening the country’s intelligence capabilities—rather than merely its security—and believes that the greatest betrayal to leaders is when relevant institutions manipulate facts, either exaggerating or downplaying them. Integrity requires that realities be represented as they are for decision-makers, rather than filtered to suit one’s preferences. Such an approach ensures an accurate calculation of one’s own power relative to the enemy. An incorrect assessment, he warns, inevitably leads to defeat.

The second point is the policy of deterrence. A country’s power has multiple dimensions. At times, it serves aggression and attack, as seen in recent wars by aggressors. At other times, its goal is deterrence—preventing aggression and nullifying the thought of an attack.

The dimensions and nature of these two forms of power differ to some extent. In deterrence strategy, diplomacy plays a far more significant role; while it cannot fully replace military power, it is ultimately a crucial complement to it. Furthermore, in deterrence policy, the most essential factor is public support for the rationale of that policy. In other words, the populace must endorse the set of deterrence policies in order to resist aggressors. A prime example of this is the Muscat talks.

Had Iran not engaged in these talks, it is uncertain whether the public response during the recent 12-day war would have unfolded as it did. In reality, all parties recognized that Iran was prepared to resolve disputes peacefully; however, before the final determination of the talks, Iran faced aggression, prompting a reaction. This scenario not only conveyed Iran’s goodwill domestically but also sent a clear message to all countries in the region.

Yet, as Rouhani himself noted, under current circumstances, Iran lacks broad deterrence in the region. This may be because there is no effective constructive idea, and the focus remains solely on negative and reactive measures. The lack of proactive and influential engagement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reflects this reality.

The main political gap in present-day Iran is the absence of a constructive approach and a forward-looking, hopeful vision. Relying on general slogans and repeating historical narratives will not resolve the country’s challenges.