Enemies want to portray Iran as a dependent country which has no identity, while our rich history and culture are an undeniable truth, Aref said, addressing a ceremony to commemorate Iranian perpetual faces in cultural heritage.

He lauded Iran’s glorious civilization and diverse ethnicities.

Scientific diplomacy is the result of the Islamic Republic's view on science and technology, he said, adding that cultural diplomacy can cause unity and integration in the world, and neutralize Iranophobia.

We must make maximum use of cultural heritage, considering the role of cultural diplomacy, to develop relations, he stated.

Referring to the challenges threatening cultural heritage, including lack of financial resources, uneven urban development, and natural and climatic erosion, Aref said that confronting these threats requires scientific approaches, innovation, and precise documentation.

Allocating sustainable financial resources, supporting non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and coordinating among cultural bodies can create sustainable and forward-looking development for this field, he noted.

Aref also called for maintaining coordination among government bodies for preserving cultural heritage.

Pointing to the 12-day war imposed by the Israeli regime, he said that the US and its allies wanted Iran to be subservient, and the recent war must be seen in this context.

However, the Iranian nation and its Armed Forces gave them a crushing response, the vice president said.