Iran’s new president, Masoud Pezeshkian, expressed a desire to establish a “constructive” phase in international relations during his first speech at the U.N. General Assembly. He emphasized that other nations, including the United States, must also contribute to this effort.
Pezeshkian, a heart surgeon who took office in July and campaigned as a reformer, adopted a more measured tone compared to previous leaders. He stated his goal of positioning Iran to effectively engage in the changing global landscape.
Recently, Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, indicated a willingness to renew talks with the U.S. regarding Iran’s advancing nuclear program. This comes after the U.S. exited the nuclear deal in 2018 under former President Trump.
Despite Pezeshkian’s intentions, it is uncertain how much flexibility he will have, particularly amid rising tensions in the Middle East due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and the upcoming U.S. presidential election.
In his speech, Pezeshkian condemned Israel for its actions in Gaza and Lebanon, labeling them as “atrocities” and “crimes against humanity.”
He warned that Israel’s recent military actions in Lebanon would have consequences for nations he accused of obstructing peace efforts while claiming to uphold human rights, likely referencing the U.S. and its allies.
The U.S., alongside Egypt and Qatar, has been attempting to negotiate a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, but progress has been challenging, especially with escalating events in Lebanon.
Addressing the American public, Pezeshkian highlighted several grievances, including sanctions and the 2020 drone strike that killed Iranian General Qassem Soleimani.
He called on countries pursuing a detrimental strategy against Iran to reconsider, suggesting that recognizing Iran’s security concerns and cooperating on shared issues could pave the way for a new era.
He concluded by hoping that his message would be seriously considered.
