A Critical Discourse Analysis of Strategic Ambiguity in Abbas Araghchi’s Speeches as Iranian Foreign Minister

Abstract

This study investigates the construction of strategic ambiguity in wartime political discourse through a critical discourse analysis of a speech by Abbas Araghchi. Drawing on Norman Fairclough’s three-dimensional model, the study examines how diplomacy and militarization are simultaneously represented in the speech. A qualitative research design is employed, focusing on key linguistic features such as transitivity, modality, pronoun usage, and lexical choices. The findings reveal that the discourse strategically constructs Iran as a peaceful yet resolute actor while portraying its opponents as aggressive and unjust. This dual representation enables the speaker to maintain international legitimacy while justifying defensive actions. The analysis further demonstrates how ideological meanings, particularly resistance, sovereignty, and anti-imperialism, are embedded within the discourse through the representation of social actors and the use of emotionally charged and legally grounded language. The study concludes that strategic ambiguity functions as a powerful discursive tool in shaping political narratives and influencing global perceptions. It contributes to the field of Applied Linguistics by highlighting the role of language in negotiating power, ideology, and international relations in times of conflict.