Iranian leader declares at UN summit that his nation is “ready to engage” in a nuclear agreement if other parties behave “in good faith.”
Masoud Pezeshkian, the president of Iran, stated before the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) that Tehran is “ready to engage” with the West on its nuclear program and that he hopes to start a “constructive” chapter in his nation’s international relations.
Pezeshkian also harshly criticized Israel for what he called “its genocide in Gaza” and its “atrocities,” “crimes against humanity,” and “desperate barbarism” in its war on the Palestinian territory as well as its attacks on Lebanon in his first speech at the UN’s annual gathering of world leaders on Tuesday.
Pezeshkian addressed the UNGA, saying, “My goal is to create a solid basis for my nation’s transition into a new period, putting it in a position to contribute positively to the changing global order.”
“Our goal is world peace, and we intend to avoid hostilities with any nation. Iran condemns violence and emphasizes the necessity of the military confrontation in Ukraine ending immediately,” Pezeshkian stated.
“We are prepared to communicate with those involved in the 2015 nuclear agreement. Talk on other matters can come when the agreement’s commitments are carried out completely and sincerely, he stated.
Pezeshkian addressed the American people directly and enumerated several Iranian grievances, including the US’s severe sanctions against Iran and the US drone strike that killed Iranian General Qassem Soleimani in 2020 under the administration of former President Donald Trump.
Under Trump, the US withdrew from the 2015 nuclear agreement between Iran and six major powers in 2018 and reimposed severe sanctions on the country. Since then, attempts to resurrect the agreement have failed.
At a gathering organized by his campaign for the 2024 presidential election, Trump discussed the US-Israeli relationship last week. He highlighted his record of backing Israel throughout his presidency, including acknowledging Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and Israel’s sovereignty over the occupied Golan Heights.
In addition, Trump claimed to have been informed that ending the Iran nuclear deal was the “greatest thing” he had ever done for Israel, branding the 2015 accord as “the worst deal ever negotiated for Israel.”The Iranian president’s demeanor at the UNGA “may be regarded as moderate,” according to Al Jazeera’s Mike Hanna.
“He made hints that he opposed further regionalization of the ongoing Middle East conflict, citing the situation in Lebanon as well as Israel’s war on Gaza as the main causes of all of that. Additionally, he strongly criticized Israel’s activities, according to Hanna.
In addition, he mentioned the potential for the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action—the agreement pertaining to Iran’s nuclear program—could be revived, provided that the other signatories fulfill their obligations.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief, Rafael Grossi, stated that he perceived a stronger willingness on the part of Iranian leaders to engage with the agency in a more meaningful way and that he hoped to travel to Tehran in October.
