Geopolitical Briefing: Iran
— 4 August 2025
- Iran’s army chief affirms ongoing Israeli threats and readiness to deploy missile and drone forces.
- Iran’s supreme security body institutes a permanent National Defence Council chaired by President Pezeshkian.
- Iran’s Foreign Minister conditions resumption of nuclear talks on U.S. compensation for war damages.
- Russia publicly warns against future strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, bolstering Tehran’s diplomatic alignment.
- Proposal unveiled by former Iranian foreign minister suggests a regional nuclear cooperation network.
The commander‑in‑chief of Iran’s armed forces, Amir Hatami, declared on 3 August that Israeli threats remain active and must be treated with maximum seriousness, highlighting that Iran’s missile and drone capabilities are fully mission‑ready. His remarks reinforce Iran’s messaging of external non‑Muslim military threats and emphasize its capacity for independent strategic deterrence .
Also on 3 August, Iran’s top security body established a new National Defence Council, to be chaired by President Masoud Pezeshkian and composed of senior political and military figures. The move institutionalises centralized decision‑making in defense and strategic issues following the June air war, consolidating control of internal security frameworks .
In a high‑profile Financial Times interview published yesterday, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi insisted Iran will not resume nuclear negotiations unless the U.S. compensates for damage inflicted during the recent conflict. He also warned against European threats of reinstating U.N. sanctions—a clear signal that negotiations must respect Iran’s autonomy and historical grievances .
Russia has publicised concern over potential future military strikes on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, deeming bombings of nuclear facilities “dangerous and unjustified.” This reflects deepening strategic alignment between Tehran and Moscow amid shared opposition to Western military coercion .
Meanwhile, former Iranian foreign minister Javad Zarif, with former ambassador Mohsen Baharvand, proposed the creation of a UN-backed “Middle East Network for Atomic Research and Advancement” (Menara). The initiative seeks to facilitate civilian nuclear collaboration across the region, providing a framework that allows Iran to maintain enrichment capabilities under cooperative oversight—a diplomatic strategy that advances regional soft power while safeguarding sovereignty .
