Iranian Government Spokesperson: President’s Trip to New York Serves National Interests

WANA (Sep 09) – The Iranian government spokesperson, Fatemeh Mohajerani, in her weekly press conference, referred to the President’s upcoming trip to New York to attend the annual session of the United Nations General Assembly, stressing that, as in previous years, the visit is aimed at “safeguarding national interests and conveying the voice of the Iranian people to the world.”

Mohajerani, pointing to the sensitive situation in the region following the recent attack by the Israeli regime, said: “This year, issues related to the recent aggressions and the genocide in Gaza carry particular importance and will naturally be central to the President’s consultations with leaders of Muslim countries.”

She added that multiple bilateral meetings between President Pezeshkian and officials from various countries are planned, with further details to be announced later.

Masoud Pezeshkian’s speech at Strengthening the United Nations’ Objectives. 23 Sep 2024 / WANA News Agency

Regarding the composition of the President’s accompanying delegation, the Iranian government spokesperson emphasized: “The presence of his team is essential and fully aligned with national interests.”

She also recalled the President’s recent trip to China, noting: “That visit had two main purposes: participating in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit and attending the military parade marking the end of World War II. We hope that with the consolidation of rationality among nations, we will witness the establishment of lasting global peace.”

Mohajerani also underlined the achievements of the President’s recent trip to China and participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit, saying: “Iran, alongside China and Russia, plays an important role in this organization as one of its powerful members. The so-called Global South must stand together to help break unilateralism. The primary goal of alliances such as the SCO is to counter unilateralism and promote multilateralism. Given its rich civilizational heritage and unique geopolitical position, Iran plays a highly significant role in this regard.”

Pezeshkian’s Attendance at China’s Military Parade. Social Media / WANA News AgencyShe added: “During this visit, 24 cooperation agreements were signed. The common position of China and Russia, alongside Iran, on the issue of ‘snapback’ was highlighted. Strategic decisions were also made in meetings with Chinese and Russian leaders, including the condemnation of the Israeli regime’s aggression against Iran and its crimes in Gaza—an issue that was also endorsed by the other countries present at the summit.”

In another part of the press conference, Mohajerani addressed the case of Mahdieh Esfandiari, an Iranian citizen imprisoned in France, stating: “So far, the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran has held four meetings with French officials and convened 13 consular sessions on this matter. Three tracks—political, legal, and security—are being pursued to follow up the case, and we hope to see the release of this Iranian woman in the near future.”

Iranian citizen Mahdieh Esfandiari, a French translator and university lecturer, was arrested in France. Social media/ WANA News Agency

The Iranian government spokesperson said that Iran’s cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is being pursued within the framework of the new law passed by parliament. She added: “As Dr. Araghchi has stated, Iran does not have access to its enriched uranium.”

The spokesperson noted that, according to the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, in May two documents that had been accessible to IAEA inspectors were transferred from Fordow to Vienna. Following Iran’s formal written protest to the Agency, the accreditation of the two inspectors was revoked.

Addressing the country’s approach to continued cooperation with the IAEA, Mohajerani emphasized: “Regarding withdrawal from the NPT, each branch of government is reviewing certain aspects, but the overall decision rests with the system as a whole. After the necessary consultations, whatever action is deemed necessary will be taken.”