Islamic revolution of Iran became successful on February 11, 1979, which was unprecedented of its kind, besides creating a significant change in Iran, was a source of great regional and international evolution. According to Imam Khomeini (R.A), Revolution of Iran was “Miracle of Century” and a “flare”. Islamic Revolution of Iran wrapped in the scroll of 2500 years of Royal dynasty in Iran and a government on the basis of Islam and with the mandate of the people was established. Two factors, the people and the leadership were vital in the victory and continuation of the Iranian Revolution. Relation between the people of Iran and great leader of revolution was cordial, candid and mutual, no precedent of that is present in the contemporary world. It is enough to explain this relationship that during the success of Islamic Revolution and arrival of Imam Khomeini (R.A) in Iran, six million people in 33 km route welcomed him and after 11 years more than 10 million people participated in his mourning procession with great sorrow and grief. Hence, after 37 years of Iranian Revolution, system of the Islamic Republic of Iran, under great leadership of Ayatollah Khamenei and with the mandate of the people has become an established, empowered and unique system.
Whereas, in the present times in some countries of Middle East region, people have no role in governance and people are still ruled in shape of hereditary and regality. Islamic Republic of Iran is proud that during past 37 years more than 32 elections were held, this fact shows sovereignty of democracy and participation of people in governance.
Present authority of the Islamic Republic of Iran system has not been achieved easily and inexpensively. Iranian revolution during its existence has faced many sabotage acts, conspiracies and intrigues and foreign powers have taken many steps to fail and undermine Iranian revolution. But none of these hostile foreign acts could become in the way of this great revolution of the people and sovereignty of Iran is constantly flourishing.
Iran has shown resistance despite a number of crises like coup plot and unjust sanctions and overcome all of them with extraordinary vigor and authority. Iran had to face an imposed eight years’ war bygone Saddam, its main stimulant and supporter was United States of America and many countries of region and world supported Saddam but Iran alone and without support of third countries stood out and with the help of the power of its Muslim nation become victorious from war.
Iran during negotiations with P5+1 countries has depicted the power of its diplomacy and shown that not only in the field of combat but in the diplomatic sphere acted with authority. It was the power of Iranian diplomacy which led to lifting of unjust sanctions and ushered a new era in the interaction with regional and world countries.
Iran has begun a new chapter in its ties with regional and world countries in post sanctions era. New horizons has been opened up for the Islamic Republic of Iran in the International arena by the recent visits of high level foreign delegations to Iran and at the same time the visits of high level Iranian delegations abroad. Recent visit of the president of china to Iran, historical visit of Dr. Hassan Rouhani, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Italy, France and a number of visits by high level delegation from European Union and Asia to Iran, all of them show a significant change and transformation in the relations of the Islamic Republic of Iran with countries of the world.
During recent visit of the President of China to Iran a number of agreements were signed and it was decided to promote level of trade ties between the two countries up to 600 billion dollars during next decade. Relations of Iran with Europe, which due to unnecessary nuclear crisis remained suspended during last decade, also, began a new chapter with the visit of Rouhani.
Islamic Republic of Iran in post sanctions period also has made its basis to promote its trade, industrial and economic ties with all neighboring countries and political and multilateral cooperation as its priorities. Islamic Republic of Iran does not want tension with each one of the countries of the world especially with neighboring countries. Today, Iran invites all the world community to step forward. Instead of a useless option of “coalition for war”, in the various areas of the world, it is better to consider “Coalition for durable peace” in all over the world.
Dr. Rouhani during General Assembly session of UN in 2013 proposed an “Extremism and Violence Free World” as one of the priorities of the foreign policy of the Iran and this initiative was approved in that year. In this regard Iran has the readiness to have a close collaboration with the countries of the world and region, especially neighboring countries to fight against terrorism, extremism and violence. It is a matter of pleasure for Iran that Muslims of the region from Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Palestine to Pakistan and Afghanistan have stood against extremism, violence and terrorism and making new achievements daily.
Islamic Republic of Iran has shown its diplomatic power in resolving its nuclear issue with the world powers, undoubtedly is supposed to utilize this soft power for establishing peace, stability, tranquility, growth and development in the Middle East. Today presence of Iran in resolving of regional conflicts is a need and requisite for achieving peace and tranquility.
Mehdi Honardoost
Author is Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Pakistan
