Iran ready to renew nuclear talks, criticizes Israel's actions in Gaza

By AJP Posted : September 25, 2024, 14:59 Updated : September 25, 2024, 15:00
 

President Masoud Pezeshkian left exchanges greetings with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres right in New York US on Sept 23 2024 AP-Yonhap
President Masoud Pezeshkian (left) exchanges greetings with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in New York on Sept. 23, 2024. AP-Yonhap
SEOUL, September 25 (AJP) - Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian addressed the United Nations General Assembly, expressing Iran's readiness to improve relations with the West, particularly concerning its nuclear program. In his first UN speech, Pezeshkian emphasized a desire for a "constructive" chapter in international relations and reaffirmed Iran's willingness to engage with Western countries on the 2015 nuclear deal, provided all parties uphold their commitments.

Pezeshkian also condemned Israel for its actions in Gaza, accusing the country of "genocide" and "crimes against humanity" in its attacks on Palestinian territories and Lebanon. He called for peace and stressed Iran's opposition to conflicts, including the ongoing war in Ukraine, urging for an immediate resolution.

The president indicated that if the nuclear agreement is fully honored, discussions on other issues could follow. He also addressed the American public, criticizing U.S. sanctions on Iran and referencing the 2020 killing of General Qassem Soleimani by a U.S. drone strike under former President Donald Trump. Trump withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal in 2018 and reimposed sanctions, halting efforts to revive the agreement.

Campaigning for the 2024 election, Trump recently highlighted his support for Israel, including recognizing Jerusalem as its capital and acknowledging Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights. He called the termination of the Iran nuclear deal his greatest achievement for Israel, labeling the 2015 agreement as "the worst deal ever made for Israel."

Meanwhile, Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), expressed optimism about renewed cooperation with Iran. Following a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Grossi noted Iran's growing willingness to engage and said he hopes to visit Tehran in October.
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