The Iranian Cultural Counselor in Dhaka has said Iran’s ability to withstand its recent conflict with the United States and Israel was rooted as much in its history, cultural identity and religious faith as in its military capabilities, while calling for stronger media and cultural cooperation between Bangladesh and Iran during a visit to the Dhaka Tribune office.
During an exchange of views with Dhaka Tribune Editor Reaz Ahmad and senior journalists on Monday, Iranian Cultural Counselor Mahdi Molaee Arani discussed the recent regional conflict, Iran’s domestic response, the role of national identity in times of war, and the importance of media in promoting mutual understanding between nations.
The meeting also focused on expanding cooperation between Bangladesh and Iran beyond diplomacy.
Both sides agreed in principle to pursue knowledge exchange, media collaboration, and joint initiatives to promote each country’s history, cultural heritage and tourism.
They also stressed that responsible journalism can play an important role in strengthening people-to-people ties and countering misconceptions between nations.
Speaking about the recent conflict, Molaee said many international observers had attempted to explain Iran’s resilience primarily through military strength.
In his view, however, such an explanation overlooks the country’s deeper social and cultural foundations.
“Many people ask how Iran managed to stand firm against two of the world’s most powerful military forces after losing some of its senior military commanders,” he said.
“The answer cannot be found only in military capability.”
According to Molaee, many international media outlets portrayed ordinary Iranians as fearful and demoralized during the conflict.
He argued that the reality inside the country was markedly different.
“In many wars, people flee, governments relocate and society descends into panic,” he said.
“In Iran, we witnessed the opposite. Many Iranians living abroad returned home in solidarity, and people worked alongside rescue teams and security personnel instead of abandoning their communities.”
The Iranian envoy said this resilience stemmed from what he described as the country’s “soft power” -- its history, culture, national identity and faith.
He noted that Iran’s late Supreme Leader often distinguished between hard power and soft power, arguing that while military capability is essential for national defence, a nation’s long-term endurance depends on the strength of its people, their historical consciousness and their shared beliefs.
Molaee said Iran’s historical experience had reinforced that understanding.
Referring to the country’s occupation during the World War II despite declaring neutrality, he said Iranians had learned that weapons alone cannot guarantee sovereignty.
Religion, he added, has also played a defining role in shaping public resilience.
Citing Quranic teachings on standing firmly for truth and justice, he said many Iranians believe that numerical or military superiority does not ultimately determine the outcome of conflicts.
“We believe that those who sacrifice their lives for truth do not truly die,” he said.
“This belief gives people strength during the most difficult moments.”
Molaee also highlighted the contribution of Persian literature to Iran’s national identity, describing Abul Qasem Ferdowsi’s* epic Shahnama as a cornerstone of Iranian cultural consciousness.
He said the work continues to inspire patriotism, unity and self-sacrifice across generations, adding that Bangladesh and Iran share centuries of historical and cultural interaction.
Responding to questions about the possibility of renewed hostilities, Molaee said Iran does not regard war as a solution and continues to favour what he described as a “just and dignified peace.”
However, he maintained that peace imposed through external pressure would not be sustainable.
“The principles of independence, sovereignty and national dignity are not negotiable,” he said.
Concluding the discussion, Molaee reiterated that Iran’s resilience should not be viewed solely through the lens of military capability.
“A nation that remains connected to its history, culture and identity cannot be easily defeated,” he said.
The meeting ended with both sides expressing optimism that greater cooperation between the media of Bangladesh and Iran could contribute to a deeper understanding of each other’s societies while promoting shared historical, cultural and tourism links.