Iranian President Affirms Desire for Peace with Israel Amid Regional Tensions

Monday 23 September 2024 - 15:16

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated on Monday that his country does not seek war with Israel and aims to avoid destabilizing the Middle East. Speaking to reporters in New York City as the United Nations General Assembly commenced, Pezeshkian criticized Israel for escalating tensions, referencing the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on July 31.

"We want to live in peace," Pezeshkian declared, emphasizing the need for dialogue to address the ongoing turmoil. He stressed, “We don’t wish to be the cause of instability in the region.”

His comments come at a time when U.S. officials express concerns about a potential full-scale war involving Israel and Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed Lebanese militant group. Recent Israeli airstrikes reportedly resulted in over 180 fatalities and nearly 730 injuries, marking a significant escalation in the conflict.

In addition, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi indicated that Tehran is eager to initiate a new round of nuclear negotiations. “We are prepared, and if the other parties are also prepared, we can have another beginning of the talks during this trip,” he stated in a video on Telegram, noting his intention to remain in New York for an extended period.

These developments follow remarks from Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who mentioned there was “no harm” in engaging with the U.S. on nuclear talks. Pezeshkian clarified that Iran is not looking for a new nuclear deal but rather to revert to the terms of the 2015 agreement.

In 2018, President Donald Trump withdrew the U.S. from the landmark agreement, citing concerns over Iran’s ballistic missile program and its influence in the region, a decision that sparked backlash from some American allies and outrage in Iran.

A State Department spokesman emphasized that the U.S. would evaluate Iran's leadership based on their actions, urging Tehran to cease nuclear escalations and engage cooperatively with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The IAEA has raised alarms about Iran's continued uranium enrichment beyond civilian needs and has faced barriers in accessing certain sites in Iran's nuclear program.

As Israel’s prolonged offensive in Gaza approaches the one-year mark since the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, Iran's shift in stance coincides with the impending U.S. presidential election.

Araghchi acknowledged that the "international situation" may complicate the initiation of negotiations.