Iran's new president signals openness to nuclear talks at UN Assembly

By Ahmet Dursun

TEHRAN, Iran (AA) – Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday expressed his country’s willingness to engage with parties involved in the nuclear deal during his address to the 79th UN General Assembly in New York, raising the prospect of renewed negotiations.

Pezeshkian, who recently assumed office following the tragic death of his predecessor Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash, outlined his vision for Iran's future and addressed key regional issues during his first appearance at the UN.

In reference to nuclear negotiations, Pezeshkian said: "We are ready to interact with the parties to the nuclear agreement. If the commitments of the agreement are fully and sincerely fulfilled, we can negotiate on other issues as well."

He called for the lifting of sanctions as a precondition for further agreements, emphasizing that this would be an appropriate response to Iran's openness.

He emphasized his commitment to reforms, national unity, and economic development, saying: "I entered the election campaign with a program based on reforms, national unity, constructive interaction with the world, and economic development, and succeeded in gaining the trust of my people at the ballot box."

Pezeshkian took a firm stance on regional conflicts, particularly criticizing Israel's actions in Gaza and Lebanon.

He highlighted the death toll in Gaza, which has surpassed 41,000 people since Oct. 7 of last year, the majority of whom are women and children.

The Iranian leader condemned the characterization of these actions as "legitimate defense" by Israel's supporters, despite targeting hospitals and schools.

In a strong rebuke, Pezeshkian warned that Israel's assassinations and terrorist attacks in Iran would not go unanswered.

"It is Israel that martyrs our scientists and guests with assassinations and openly and secretly supports the Daesh/ISIS. This regime's terrorist attacks in Iran and Lebanon will not go unanswered," he said.

Addressing the Palestinian issue, Pezeshkian reiterated Tehran's proposal for a referendum among the inhabitants of Palestinian territories.

He emphasized that the problem stemming from Israel's occupation could only be resolved by granting Palestinians the right to self-determination.

"The world must stop the violence immediately. A permanent cease-fire must be established in Gaza and Lebanon. Stop this regime before it sets the region and the world on fire," Pezeshkian warned.

The Iranian president also touched on the Ukraine-Russia conflict, expressing support for a peaceful resolution through dialogue for both nations.

Pezeshkian's speech marks a potential shift in Iran's diplomatic approach, signaling an openness to international engagement while maintaining a critical stance on regional issues and Western policies.