Iran Hopes For Nuclear Agreement, President Says

During a briefing with foreign journalists at the United Nations in New York, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed his willingness to negotiate a new international agreement regarding Iran's nuclear program. This comes in the context of heightened tensions due to the ongoing military actions in Gaza and Lebanon, which Pezeshkian criticized, particularly targeting U.S. and Israeli involvement. He emphasized that Iran has adhered to the nuclear deal, contrary to the U.S., which withdrew in 2018 under former President Trump, leading to significant sanctions that have hampered Iran's economy. Pezeshkian's comments reflect a broader concern about potential regional conflict, especially with the ongoing hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. He pointed out that the situation in Gaza has drawn international attention, questioning the U.S. commitment to human rights while supporting Israel's military actions. The Iranian president's remarks also highlight the internal political dynamics in Iran, where he seeks to promote engagement with the international community amid domestic unrest. Despite his openness to negotiations, Pezeshkian did not provide a clear stance on the feasibility of talks during President Biden's administration or the implications of a potential Trump re-election. He reiterated Iran's position of not having prior knowledge of Hamas's recent actions and defended the rights of groups like Hezbollah. The backdrop of these discussions includes Iran's military support for Russia in Ukraine and the actions of the Houthi militia in Yemen, which Pezeshkian described as ideologically driven. His statements underscore the complexities of regional politics and the challenges of achieving stability in the Middle East.