In remarks on Tuesday, Aref said Iranian culture and civilization have played a crucial role in the advancement of humanity, having successfully integrated Islamic culture. He emphasized that today, Iranian and Islamic cultures are perceived as one—“Islamic Iran.”

The vice president warned that the immense suffering of innocent people in the Gaza Strip is a byproduct of Western civilization. “The result of Western civilization is the tragedies in Gaza, while Iranian civilization brings pride and honor to our people. Wherever we go, we are proud to be Iranian. This current Iranophobia is propagated by those who claim to be civilized,” he said.

To combat Iranophobia, Aref suggested that Iran could engage prominent international scholars who know Western civilization. Their influence could help dispel misconceptions about Iran and counter the negative narratives spread by its enemies, he said.

He noted that international scholars who visit Iran for academic conferences are often surprised by the warm welcome they receive, contrary to the hostility they are led to believe they can expect. These scholars will, in turn, promote Iranian culture at top universities around the world, Aref added.

The vice president also addressed the issue of Iranian experts and professors who have migrated abroad. He acknowledged that while they face challenges overseas, those in Iran also struggle with livelihood issues and a lack of resources. He assured that the government is working on solutions to improve their conditions.