Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has declared that there are no winners in war and expressed his readiness to restart nuclear negotiations, signaling a potential shift in Tehran’s approach to international diplomacy. Speaking ahead of his address at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Raisi made these remarks during an interview with several American media outlets.
Background
According to a report by The Guardian on September 24, Raisi’s comments come at a critical time for the Middle East, with tensions running high following recent conflicts. The Iranian president’s statements reflect a growing recognition that military confrontation benefits no one and that diplomatic solutions are necessary.
War and Diplomacy
During his interview, Raisi emphasized the futility of war, stating, There are no winners in war. He also made it clear that Iran is not seeking to be a source of instability in the region. We do not want to be the source of instability in the Middle East, as the consequences would be irreversible, he noted.
Raisi, however, also pointed fingers at Israel, accusing it of attempting to escalate the conflict into a full-scale war. It is Israel that is trying to create this comprehensive conflict, he stated. This comment highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the region.
Nuclear Negotiations
The Iranian president’s readiness to restart nuclear negotiations marks a significant development. We are prepared to restart nuclear negotiations, Raisi declared. This announcement comes amidst reports that the Biden administration in the United States has not yet indicated a willingness to resume talks on the nuclear deal.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian echoed Raisi’s sentiments, stating that he would focus on initiating a new round of negotiations on the nuclear agreement during his stay in New York. I will stay in New York for a few days longer than the president and meet with foreign ministers from several countries. We will concentrate on restarting negotiations on the nuclear agreement, he said.
Regional Tensions and Reconciliation
Since Raisi’s election as president in July, there have been signs that Iran is keen on engaging in diplomacy to ease sanctions and alleviate economic pressures. The Iranian president has three main goals in New York: to restart negotiations on the nuclear agreement, to lift sanctions, and to reassure the West that Iran will not provide missiles to Russia nor get involved in the Ukraine crisis.
Despite Iran’s support for Hamas and Hezbollah, the country has largely maintained restraint in recent conflicts since Raisi took office. However, the Qatar Peninsula Television warned that reconciliation with Western countries could be hindered by escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Iran’s Alliances
Iran has been forming alliances with various regional forces that are opposed to Israel and the United States, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthi rebels in Yemen. Tehran has also been strengthening its ties with Russia. However, earlier this month, Amir-Abdollahian denied these claims, stating that they were based on false intelligence.
Conclusion
President Raisi’s declaration that there are no winners in war and his willingness to restart nuclear negotiations reflect a potential shift in Iran’s foreign policy. While the path to reconciliation is fraught with challenges, these remarks signal a willingness to engage in diplomatic efforts to resolve long-standing issues. The success of these negotiations will depend on the willingness of all parties involved to come to the table with a genuine commitment to peace and stability in the region.
Special Note: The content provided above is based on a report from Phoenix News, and the views expressed are those of the Iranian president and officials as reported by various media outlets. The information is intended for informational purposes only.
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