Iran’s power, concerns on display at UNGA
Whenever new governments take the reins in any country, their foreign policy stances can be quite captivating for others, who scrutinize them with great interest. In our country, with Masoud Pezeshkian at the helm as the new president, high-ranking officials from various countries are undoubtedly eager to hear his government’s views and understand the direction Iran’s foreign policy will take. The General Assembly of the United Nations is one of the best opportunities to elucidate Iran’s current foreign policy status, long-term and medium-term plans, and objectives.
By Ramin Mehmanparast
Ex-Foreign Ministry spokesman
The stances taken by Pezeshkian during the presidential election and the remarks made by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi indicate that Iran is pursuing a balanced foreign policy, prioritizing the development of relations with various countries, particularly neighboring ones. Iran also aims to reduce conflicts and ease tensions and crises with different countries to ensure its foreign policy follows a more regular course, alleviating pressure and yielding positive economic outcomes. Pezeshkian’s visit to New York presents a great opportunity to address regional issues, particularly the Gaza crisis, tensions, wars, and atrocities committed by the Zionist regime of Israel.
Strengthening ties with neighboring countries, moving toward collective cooperation to create a secure and stable region, and deepening economic cooperation can be the outcomes of this trip. Alongside these issues, Iran’s relations with powerful countries will be on the agenda. Global powers like Russia and China will be present at the UNGA, and Iran should emphasize the frameworks of its foreign relations, ensuring mutual benefits and bilateral interests with these countries. Iran also has the opportunity to utilize vast capacities to share its views and sensitivities toward regional developments, which the major powers, including Russia and China, should acknowledge. The approach to managing relations with Western countries, particularly in the context of Europe, remains to be defined.
Serious negotiations with powerful countries like Russia are necessary to secure long-term mutual interests, while striving for harmonious coordination and dispelling misunderstandings. Constructive dialogue with Western countries, especially European ones, should be on the agenda. In such talks, Iran should pursue numerous common interests that can benefit both parties, reducing conflicts that European countries use as leverage against Iran’s national interests.
It must be made clear to European countries that Iran is a powerful nation, and a powerful Iran in the region can be much more effective in a constructive cooperation with Western countries to serve the interests of both sides. A constructive and positive approach, focused on cooperation, should replace destructive ones. The UNGA meeting is an opportunity for Western countries to tap into Iran’s vast capacities to create regional stability and security and benefit from Iran’s significant economic potential.
During this trip, the Iranian delegation is expected to defend the country’s rights and interests. The unfair and cruel sanctions must be lifted as Iran believes its nuclear work is solely for peaceful purposes. Western countries should adopt a realistic approach, recognizing Iran as a regional power, and engage with it cooperatively. To lift sanctions, constructive measures should be taken. The upcoming UNGA meeting is a great opportunity to expound upon Iran’s foreign policy stances, deepen extensive cooperation with friendly countries, reduce conflicts, and ease tensions. To create a more peaceful atmosphere in Iran and stimulate economic growth, these obstacles must be removed.