Iran’s Foreign Minister Emphasizes Economic Diplomacy as Key Strategy to Counter Sanctions

Tehran, The Gulf Observer: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi underscored that economic diplomacy is the most effective path to confronting sanctions, highlighting that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has established a dedicated deputy for economic diplomacy and initiated a series of provincial diplomacy conferences to advance this goal.

Speaking to reporters in the northeastern city of Mashhad on Wednesday, Araghchi stated that strengthening relations with neighboring countries remains the main priority of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s foreign policy, noting that these relations are of “political, security, strategic, and economic importance.”

“The main priority of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s foreign policy is its neighbors, an issue that is of political, security, and strategic importance to us, and at the same time, is also very important economically,” he said.

Provincial Diplomacy for Economic Engagement

The foreign minister explained that one of the core objectives of provincial diplomacy is to harness the economic capacities of Iran’s provinces to enhance foreign relations—particularly trade and cooperation—with neighboring states.

He added that fostering economic linkages at the regional and provincial levels not only promotes development but also provides a practical mechanism to mitigate the impact of international sanctions.

“In conditions of sanctions, economic relations with neighbors can provide suitable spaces to counter the effects of sanctions,” Araghchi said. “In fact, one of the effective strategies in neutralizing sanctions is to use regional and border capacities.”

Utilizing Domestic Potential

Araghchi emphasized that Iran possesses significant untapped economic potential that can be activated through direct communication between provincial authorities and neighboring countries.

“We believe that there is a lot of economic potential in the country that can flourish and be utilized through direct communication between provinces and neighboring countries,” he noted.

The foreign minister reaffirmed that enhancing regional connectivity, boosting trade flows, and leveraging border economies form essential components of Iran’s broader strategy to strengthen economic resilience amid external pressures.

Araghchi concluded that the Foreign Ministry’s focus on economic diplomacy and local-level engagement demonstrates Iran’s determination to turn challenges into opportunities through regional cooperation and sustainable economic partnerships.