Iran is prepared to resolve its ongoing nuclear dispute with Western countries, President Masoud Pezeshkian announced during his address to the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, while also urging for dialogue to bring an end to Russia’s war in Ukraine. Iran’s leadership hopes for a relaxation of U.S. sanctions that have heavily impacted the nation’s economy.
“We are willing to engage with the participants of the 2015 nuclear agreement. If all commitments under the deal are upheld sincerely, further discussions on other matters can follow,” Pezeshkian stated. Former U.S. President Donald Trump withdrew from the 2015 nuclear agreement between Iran and six global powers in 2018, reinstating stringent sanctions on Tehran. Attempts to revive the agreement have since stalled.
The 2015 accord, which Trump abandoned, restricted Iran’s uranium enrichment to 3.67% purity and its stockpile of enriched material to 202.8 kg (447 pounds). Iran has since exceeded these limits. For the remaining parties to the deal, including Britain, France, and Germany, the belief is that Iran is unlikely to alter its current course, making a broader agreement on both the nuclear program and its geopolitical stance difficult at this time.
The U.S., its European allies, and Israel have accused Iran of using its nuclear program as a cover to develop nuclear weapons. Tehran has consistently maintained that its nuclear activities are for peaceful purposes.
Relations between Tehran and the West have deteriorated since the Iranian-backed Hamas group attacked southern Israel on October 7, and as Iran has increased support for Russia’s war in Ukraine. President Pezeshkian, who assumed office in August and promised a pragmatic foreign policy, condemned Israel for what he referred to as “genocide in Gaza.”
“It is essential that the international community act immediately to secure a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and halt Israel’s barbaric actions in Lebanon before it escalates into a regional or global conflict,” Pezeshkian added.
Tensions have risen after an Israeli airstrike in Beirut killed a senior commander of the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militant group on Tuesday, amid escalating cross-border rocket exchanges, raising concerns of a wider war.
“We desire peace for all and have no intention of engaging in conflict with any nation. Iran opposes war and advocates for the immediate end of hostilities in Ukraine,” Pezeshkian said. Russia has strengthened its ties with Iran since its invasion of Ukraine and is reportedly preparing to sign a broad cooperation agreement with Tehran.
Additionally, Iran has reportedly facilitated secret negotiations between Russia and Yemen’s Houthi rebels for the transfer of anti-ship missiles, according to three Western and regional sources, highlighting Iran’s deepening relationship with Moscow.
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