MASOUD PEZESHKIAN, President of Iran, said global peace and security will not be achieved unless the rights of everyone are upheld with fairness; and so long as injustice, oppression, greed, and poverty prevail unconfronted in any region, there will be no liberation.  He noted that his coming into office aims to lay a strong foundation for Iran’s entry into a new era with strengthened foreign policies.  Stating that the world has witnessed the true nature of the Israeli regime, he lamented the fact that that country’s leaders label the genocide in Gaza as legitimate self-defence and the victims as legitimate military targets, and that they tag the protesting world antisemitic and terrorist.  He called on the international community to put an end to the aggression and occasion a ceasefire, including in Lebanon, before it engulfs the region and the world.

He announced that there will be consequences for Governments who have fostered this aggression “and have the audacity to call themselves champions of human rights”, adding that the only pathway to end hostilities is the enthronement of self-determination for the Palestinian people.  He therefore called for a referendum to this effect to be held in the affected territories.  Iran envisages a lasting peace with all faiths in the region living together, void of any form of apartheid.  Emphasizing the importance of unity, he said his country has never initiated a war or occupied any foreign territory or sought resources of any country.  “We must recognize that we are neighbours.  Because of this bond we will remain together,” he stressed, warning that the presence of foreign Powers in the region is temporary and leads to instability.  A new regional order, therefore, must be inclusive and beneficial for all neighbours.

He went on to state that his country has endured threats, war, occupation, and sanctions throughout modern history with no country coming to its assistance or respecting its declared neutrality.  Iran seeks to safeguard its security, not to create insecurity for others.  “We want peace for all and seek no war or quarrel with anyone”, he said.  He further underscored the urgent need to end military hostilities in Ukraine, highlighting dialogue as the only way to resolve crises, as no country’s security and interest can be guaranteed by undermining that of others.  There is thus a need for a new paradigm to address global challenges, which should “focus on opportunities and not being obsessed with perceived threat”, he opined.  Recalling the historic 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action whereby his country, together with global powers, agreed to the “highest unprecedented level of nuclear oversight in return for recognition for its rights and lifting of sanctions”, he regretted former United States President Donald Trump’s unilateral withdrawal.

Iran is however ready to engage with the Plan’s participants if its terms and commitments are implemented fully and in good faith.  All States operating a counterproductive strategy towards his country, he continued, should learn from history.  “We have an opportunity to transcend these limitations and enter into a new era”, which will commence with the acknowledgement of Iran’s military concerns and cooperation on mutual challenges, he said.  Describing the sanctions his country has been meted as destructive and inhumane, some of which not only a violate human rights but constitute a crime against humanity, he said “although the wounds inflicted by the sanctions are deep within our society, confronting this bitter experience has transformed us into a stronger nation with unwavering resolve and self-confidence.”  Iran hopes to build a better future with robust partnerships with global Powers and expects that they impose no more sanctions but fulfil existing obligations to remove such and lay foundation for more constructive agreements.