WANA (Sep 22) – Masoud Pezeshkian, Iran’s president, consistently has emphasized “Foreign Policy” as a critical area during and after his presidential campaign, advocating for resolving international issues through negotiation and dialogue.

 

It is widely acknowledged that many of Iran’s domestic challenges, particularly economic ones, are connected to international sanctions. Several governments have sought to tackle and remove these sanctions.

 

President Pezeshkian has consistently emphasized the necessity of lifting sanctions and engaging in transparent negotiations with Western countries based on national interests. The assertion that Iran has been sanctioned for sending ballistic missiles to Russia is completely unfounded, with no clear evidence supporting such accusations.

 

This issue becomes even more important as the Iranian President is set to attend the 79th UN General Assembly in New York. Besides delivering a speech at the Assembly, Pezeshkian will likely engage in discussions with foreign leaders, especially from European countries, on the sidelines of the event.

 

He won’t be alone on this trip, as Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi will accompany him. Araghchi will also likely leverage diplomatic opportunities in New York to address issues such as the nuclear deal, bilateral relations, etc.

 

In a press briefing alongside the Iranian President, the Foreign Minister indicated the country’s willingness to engage in discussions regarding the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) during the UN General Assembly.

 

He stated, “We are prepared for negotiations concerning the JCPOA. The initiation of these talks depends on how conditions are set. Regardless, we are ready to begin negotiations, and responsibilities have been assigned to the Political and International Affairs Department in this regard.”

 

It appears that during this trip, President Pezeshkian, Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, and the accompanying diplomatic team will arrive in New York with a specific agenda. The Foreign Minister noted that he would remain in New York for several days to continue meetings and consultations at other levels.

 

Last Monday, September 16, the Iranian President held a press conference with media representatives, mentioning plans to meet with the President of France and the Secretary-General of the European Union.

 

The outcomes of this trip remain to be seen, particularly how the new Iranian government’s foreign policy discussions will contribute to reducing tensions, lifting sanctions, and potentially reviving the nuclear agreement or establishing a new accord.