Washington D.C. – Ryan Costello, Policy Director with the National Iranian American Council, issued the following statement on Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s address before the United Nations General Assembly today:
“Iran’s President Pezeshkian came to New York with a weighty diplomatic to-do list, and used his time at the UN podium to portray Iran and other nations as victims of Israeli and American aggression and to emphasize peace through regional stability and cooperation, rather than through aggression. Critically, the President doubled down on Supreme Leader Khamenei’s vow – repeated this week – that Iran will not seek or acquire nuclear weapons.
“In so doing, Pezeshkian reflected the emphases from many past Iranian Presidents that came before him. Yet, left unaddressed is how the region can move toward peace and stability without some level of diplomatic understanding between the U.S. and Iran.
“The circumstances Iran finds itself in following an objectively illegal war of aggression on its soil in June seem ill-suited to the same old diplomatic playbook. The war between Israel, Iran and the United States is likely to reignite, bringing destruction to the people of Iran and the broader region, unless decisive diplomatic action is taken to stabilize the security situation.
“While the world should abide by and pursue the golden rule, it is important to recognize that in the current international order, might is making right. Clinging too tightly to national pride when direct negotiation with an adversary is needed could be a critical mistake.
“We believe the best path is for Iran to pursue direct negotiations with the United States. At the same time, we urge the Trump administration to halt steps that provide fodder to opponents of negotiations in Iran, and repair the serious damage to diplomatic prospects from green lighting and then attacking Iran in the midst of ongoing indirect negotiations. A win-win deal would be in the best interests of both nations and can help forestall a return of war. That must be the priority in both Washington and Tehran, and each side must show renewed resolve and flexibility to secure it.”