President calls for ...
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Earlier, before departing for New York, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had announced that Iran was ready to kick-start nuclear talks, provided they would not occur under pressure. Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi also met with European Union Deputy Foreign Policy chief Enrique Mora to discuss the nuclear issue and sanctions on Iran, saying, “Iran is prepared to do its part in good faith and address mutual concerns and interests through dignified diplomacy.”
On the other hand, EU Foreign Policy chief Josep Borrell has also chimed in, referencing the meeting between European Council President Charles Michel and Pezeshkian in New York, saying, “We must keep the lines of communication with Iran open at all times, especially when we think things are not going in the right direction.” The upcoming meetings between some European officials, including French President Emanuel Macron, and President Pezeshkian also seem to be part of this effort to keep channels open between Iran and Europe. These communication lines can be strengthened through diplomatic talks, paving the way for negotiations aimed at reaching new understandings to resolve disputes and boost cooperation.
Now, as the UN General Assembly meeting and the Iranian president’s announcement of peaceful intentions through diplomatic meetings appear to be demonstrating the new government’s policies in Iran, potentially smoothing the complex path to resolving differences, Israel’s attacks on southern Lebanon have intensified. Benjamin Netanyahu has done his utmost over the past few months to drag Iran into a direct confrontation, forcing the US administration to go to war with Iran. However, Iran’s clever tactics have so far foiled Israel’s war-mongering ambitions. Nevertheless, the hawkish teams in Israel and the US continues to push for conflict. Meanwhile, some factions within Iran have been gloating over the escalation of tensions between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah, as if they are itching for the “war drums” to start beating.
At this point, the Islamic Republic’s policy and Pezeshkian’s administration are not geared toward diving headfirst into war, as that would set the entire region ablaze, which is precisely the sinister goal of the current Israeli cabinet.
No doubt, one of Netanyahu’s missions at the UN will be to sabotage the Iranian delegation’s diplomatic efforts and undermine President Pezeshkian’s peaceful overtures. The intensification of attacks on southern Lebanon, coinciding with the UN General Assembly meeting, is not unrelated to Israel’s attempts to goad Tehran into abandoning its clever policy of avoiding direct conflict.
However, Iran’s stance not only fails to signal a willingness to beat the drums of war but instead reinforces the call for peace and an end to conflict. As President Pezeshkian stated in a meeting with American media representatives, “We have not and will not support Russia’s war against Ukraine. We respect the borders and sovereignty of nations, and we cannot remain silent on the Zionist regime’s atrocities in Gaza... We yearn for peace, stability, calm, and security worldwide, and our approach in this regard is sincere and rooted in our beliefs and values.”