WANA (Sep 22) – Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, upon arrival in New York for the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, laid out Tehran’s stance on recent regional tensions and the nuclear issue. He called this year’s participation “special and historic,” stating:

 

“This year has two features: first, it marks the 80th anniversary of the United Nations; and more importantly, it is the first General Assembly we attend after the aggression by the United States and the Zionist regime against our country. The significance of this year lies in presenting the rightful positions of the Iranian people, highlighting twelve days of resistance from a position of strength.”

 

Araghchi underlined that Iran remains committed to peace but warned: “The Islamic Republic of Iran is a peace-seeking country. But as the twelve-day war proved, if war is imposed on us, we will defend ourselves with full strength.”

People walk past a billboard with a picture of nuclear scientists killed in Israeli strikes and Iranian centrifuges, on a street in Tehran, Iran August 29, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

Warning on Snapback

The minister confirmed that one of his key meetings will be with IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi: “In my press conference after the agreement with the Agency, I made it clear: if Snapback is ultimately implemented, the cooperation agreement with the IAEA loses its validity. This agreement was reached after the aggression; if Snapback is activated, we will face an entirely new situation.”

 

He also warned against the role of the three European powers at the UN Security Council: “If their destructive move is finalized, Iran will respond, and once again we will face a new situation in our relations with the Agency.”

Cairo Agreement between Iran and IAEA

Cairo Agreement between Iran and IAEA. Social media/ WANA News Agency

Cooperation or Confrontation

Araghchi said he will hold talks with most of his European counterparts during this trip, describing the moment as a decisive choice for the West:

 

“This is the time for the other side to choose—cooperation or confrontation. The Islamic Republic has been tested many times. They know we do not respond to the language of pressure and threats. We only respond to respect and dignity. If there is a solution, it is exclusively a diplomatic one.”

 

Blaming Washington’s withdrawal from the JCPOA for the current crisis, he added: “Iran has proven that it seeks diplomacy. We are still ready for a diplomatic solution—but one that safeguards the interests of the Iranian people and addresses our security concerns.”

Diplomacy Against the Snapback Mechanism . JCPOA

Diplomacy Against the Snapback Mechanism . JCPOA

Final Days of Consultations

Araghchi stressed that his mission in New York is to make the most of the “remaining days” for intensive talks: “We believe the interests of the region, non-proliferation, and international law all demand a diplomatic solution—and we are ready for that. But if this path is blocked, the way forward for the Iranian people is clear: we will continue on our own course. At the same time, we still believe that finding a diplomatic solution is in the best interest of the region and the international system.”