The 12-Day War and Legitimizing Iran’s Defense Policies
Seyed Reza Qazvini Ghavami stated in an interview with the website of the Strategic Council on Foreign Relations: “The 12-day war has provided a strategic opportunity for Iran to strengthen the legitimacy of its defense policies in international institutions, particularly the United Nations and the Security Council.”
The researcher on West Asian affairs further stated: “Iran can, citing Article 51 of the UN Charter, which recognizes the right to legitimate self-defense, present the Zionist regime’s attacks as a clear example of aggression. Presenting comprehensive documentation, including images, reports, and precise statistics of damages inflicted on civilian infrastructure such as hospitals, schools, and residential areas, along with human casualties, can influence global public opinion. This evidence highlights the Israeli regime’s violation of international laws of war and paves the way for demanding the formation of independent investigative committees. Such committees can affirm the legitimacy of Iran’s positions and place the Israeli regime in the position of the accused.”
According to this expert, “Iran can also, in cooperation with like-minded countries, pass resolutions in the UN General Assembly condemning the aggressions of the apartheid Israeli regime and emphasizing the necessity of respecting Iran’s sovereignty. Filing a lawsuit at the International Court of Justice is also an important option for legally pursuing this matter.” He stated, “These actions not only legitimize Iran’s defense policies but also provide leverage for future negotiations on regional security and the nuclear program.” He believes that, “Iran must, by presenting a responsible image committed to international law, gain the support of developing countries to distance itself from the isolation desired and pursued by America and the Israeli regime. This strategy consolidates Iran’s position in the global system and exploits the created crisis to enhance its credibility and influence.”

Correct Narrative-Building in Domestic and International Media
Seyed Reza Qazvini Gharabi also proposes presenting a defense-oriented and oppressed image of Iran in the 12-day war, stating that, “Media must produce purposeful narratives using global and international discourse. Because attention to this type of discourse is significant, and realizing it requires utilizing modern, sophisticated, and prestigious tools.”
The researcher on West Asian affairs emphasizes: “Internationally, Iran must utilize social networks and independent media to convey its message to the world. The main narrative must be that Iran’s actions were solely a defensive response to the aggressions of the Israeli regime. Publishing reliable reports from human rights organizations confirming this regime’s violations of the laws of war lends credibility to this narrative.”
According to this expert, “Holding press conferences with the presence of foreign journalists, producing multilingual content on platforms like YouTube and Twitter, and utilizing influencers can weaken the Western media monopoly. Emphasizing damages to civilians and vital infrastructure, along with transparency in providing information, portrays Iran as the victim of aggression.” He states that, “This strategy not only influences global public opinion but also weakens the hostile narratives of the Israeli regime. Iran must build a coherent and convincing narrative, both domestically and internationally, to gain popular support and reduce international pressures. This effort reconstructs Iran’s image as a peace-loving and responsible country.”

The Role of Iran’s Public Diplomacy in the Post-War Era
Seyed Reza Qazvini Gharabi also addresses Iran’s public diplomacy after the 12-day war and believes: “A public diplomacy must be redesigned to reconstruct the country’s image and neutralize the Israeli regime’s negative narratives. Utilizing soft tools such as cultural exchanges, holding international film and music festivals, and inviting prominent global figures to Iran can change negative perceptions. Strengthening presence on social networks and digital media is also vital; launching online campaigns with relevant hashtags and collaborating with international influencers directly conveys Iran’s message to global audiences.”
The researcher on West Asian affairs stresses: “Cooperation with non-governmental organizations and international civil institutions can increase popular support. Emphasizing shared values such as peace, justice, and human rights, alongside publishing analytical articles in reputable global journals, strengthens public empathy. Holding international conferences and dialogue meetings with the participation of experts and diplomats also provides a space for explaining Iran’s positions.”
He reminds us that “Training and employing young, specialized diplomats in the field of public diplomacy enhances the effectiveness of these efforts. The main objective must be to present Iran as a peace-seeking country and victim of aggression, not a source of tension.”
This expert says: “Iran can reduce misunderstandings and build new bridges for cooperation by expanding cultural and scientific ties with other countries. This approach weakens the Israeli regime’s hostile narratives and improves Iran’s standing in global public opinion. By investing in this strategy, Iran can emerge from the efforts to isolate it and gain broader support for its objectives.”
According to Qazvini Gharabi, “The redesigned public diplomacy will be a powerful tool for transforming the challenges of war into long-term opportunities. However, it must be acknowledged that due to years of false media narratives against Iran and the accumulation of a mass of constructed mindsets against the Islamic Republic of Iran, these measures are time-consuming and have their complexities.”
This analyst believes: “Language is a living, important, and fundamental element in conveying concepts and human narratives to others. Therefore, the necessity of paying attention to the element of language for shared dialogue with the world is vital.” According to this expert, the horizon of this issue will be long-term. From his perspective, “Nurturing a generation of citizens proficient in languages such as English and Arabic can effectively transmit authentic Iranian concepts and narratives to the nations of the region and the world.”

Potential Threats in Misusing the War for Iran
Seyed Reza Qazvini Gharabi stresses: “Misusing the 12-day war can create serious threats for Iran, including international isolation, intensification of sanctions, and weakening of regional standing. For example, using aggressive discourse instead of emphasizing legitimate defense may provoke global public opinion against Iran. Also, lack of transparency in presenting information or unrealistic exaggeration of damages can fuel rumors and negative propaganda and undermine Iran’s credibility.”
According to this analyst, “To transform these threats into opportunities, Iran must adopt an intelligent and multilateral approach. Regionally, strengthening relations with neighbors through collective security meetings and proposing economic cooperation introduces Iran as a stabilizing force. These measures can build trust and reduce regional tensions.”
The researcher on West Asian affairs emphasizes: “Internationally, active participation in global institutions and presenting constructive proposals for resolving crises portrays Iran as a responsible actor. Emphasizing multilateralism and reforming international structures gains the support of developing countries.”
He says: “Investing in public diplomacy, such as expanding cultural and scientific exchanges, reduces misunderstandings and lays the groundwork for new cooperation.

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Qazvini Gharabi stresses: “This strategy transforms the threats arising from the misuse of the war into an opportunity to strengthen Iran’s position, and through the precise management of narratives and diplomatic actions, Iran can use this crisis as a platform to increase its influence in the region and the world and even improve its relations with the international community.”