Iran's President, Ebrahim Raisi, delivered a message to the United Nations General Assembly in New York, emphasizing the need for the United States to exhibit "goodwill and determination" if it wishes to revive the 2015 nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). This accord was abandoned by former President Donald Trump five years ago, leading to a period of strained relations between the two nations. In his address, President Raisi called upon the US to rectify its withdrawal from the JCPOA and to take constructive steps towards rejoining the agreement.
The US Exit and Consequences
President Trump's decision to withdraw the United States from the JCPOA was based on his belief that the deal was too lenient towards Iran. Following the withdrawal, the US imposed stringent sanctions on Tehran, leading to a significant deterioration in diplomatic relations between the two nations. Efforts to revive the JCPOA stalled last year, with diplomats indicating that Iran rejected what European Union mediators described as their "final offer" to bring Iran back into compliance with the accord.
Addressing the Ineffectiveness of Sanctions:
During his speech, President Raisi pointed out that the sanctions imposed on Iran by the US had not achieved the desired results. He urged the United States to reconsider its approach and "bring a cessation to its wrong path" by recommitting to the JCPOA. Raisi emphasized the importance of demonstrating goodwill as a crucial step towards rebuilding trust and resolving the nuclear dispute.
Concerns over International Relations:
President Raisi also raised concerns about the United States' role in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. He suggested that the US had contributed to escalating violence in Ukraine as part of a long-term plan to weaken European countries. Raisi expressed support for initiatives aimed at ending hostilities and war in the region.
A Symbolic Gesture by Israel:
During President Raisi's speech, Israel's envoy to the United Nations, Gilad Erdan, left the General Assembly hall in a symbolic gesture. He was seen waving a picture of Mahsa Amini, a young woman who tragically lost her life after a fatal beating by Iran's morality police. Erdan's action was intended to convey Israel's solidarity with the Iranian people, despite the longstanding tensions and lack of diplomatic recognition between the two nations.
Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi's address to the UN General Assembly highlighted the urgency of reviving the JCPOA and called upon the United States to demonstrate goodwill and determination in this regard. The ongoing nuclear dispute remains a critical issue in international diplomacy, and the willingness of both Iran and the US to engage constructively will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of their relations and the stability of the region.