In his only public address in Canberra, Iran's Foreign Minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, discussed Iran's foreign policy and its role in combating terrorist groups, such as 'Islamic State' or DAESH. He is pictured here with: Ambassador, Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, HE Mr Abdolhossein Vahaji; The Hon. Melissa Parke MP; ANU Chancellor, The Hon. Professor Gareth Evans; Dr Zarif; Ambassador, Embassy of the Republic of Iraq, HE Dr Hussain Al-Ameri; ANU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Brian Schmidt; and CAIS Director, Professor Amin Saikal.
Dr Zarif illustrated how Iran is playing an increasingly important role in combating terrorism and working for peace and security in the Middle East. He argued that Iran's nuclear deal with the US is a good example of what can be achieved when countries negotiate in good f
aith. He said there is now recognition for the need to move away from a regional security alliances to a security network. This move will shift the paradigm that has dominated international relations for the last two centuries from one of exclusion to one of inclusion. He stressed the imperative for global acceptance of a set of principles and objectives of nuclear safety, elimination of extremism and resource management in order to ensure peace and security in the Persian Gulf.
Dr Zarif has a PhD in International Law and Politics from the University of Denver. He is a career diplomat and academic who has held various significant diplomatic and cabinet posts since the 1990s. As Foreign Minister he has led negotiations with P5+1 countries in resolving the dispute over the Iranian nuclear program, resulting in the lifting of the economic sanctions against Iran on 16 January 2016.
Many well-known international figures and observers have described the nuclear deal as a triumph of diplomacy and a major historical achievement.