Whatever the job you are asked to do at whatever level, do a good job because your reputation is your resume.

In 1953, the United States played a significant role in orchestrating the overthrow of Iran's popular prime minister, Mohammed Mossadegh. The Eisenhower administration believed its actions were justified for strategic reasons, but the coup was clearly a setback for Iran's political development and it is easy to see now why many Iranians continue to resent this intervention by America in their internal affairs.

One of my trips was to meet with the Gulf Cooperation Council with all the Saudi foreign ministers, and when we started the meeting I said 'Perhaps you've noticed that I'm not dressed the same as my predecessors", but no-one had a problem and I was never treated with anything other than respect...So I did not have problems with that, interestingly enough.

I really do think about the fact that every day counts. I believe that every individual counts, and so I believe that every day counts and I try not to waste it.

I was taught to strive not because there were any guarantees of success but because the act of striving is in itself the only way to keep faith with life.

For me, America is really, truly the indispensable nation.

Freedon succeeds from the moment people stop looking to others to improve their lives and start taking responsibility.