In his address to the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Tuesday, Iran’s president, Ebrahim Raisi, emphasized that if the United States wishes to revive the 2015 nuclear deal, which was abandoned by then-President Donald Trump five years ago, it needs to demonstrate both goodwill and determination. Raisi pointed out that the US violated the agreement by withdrawing from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), and he called on America to exhibit its commitment to reestablishing the accord.
The US, during Trump’s presidency, withdrew from the JCPOA, citing concerns that it was too lenient towards Iran, and subsequently imposed severe sanctions on Tehran. However, efforts to resurrect the JCPOA faced obstacles last year when European Union mediators claimed that Tehran had rejected what they labeled their “final offer” to bring Iran back into compliance with the agreement.
Raisi argued that the sanctions imposed on Iran have failed to achieve their intended outcomes and urged the United States to change its course and make the right choice. He also accused the US of exacerbating violence in Ukraine as part of a long-term plan to weaken European nations. Raisi expressed Iran’s support for any initiative aimed at ending hostilities and conflicts.
It is worth noting that following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine last year, the US imposed additional sanctions on Iran for allegedly providing drones to Moscow to assist in its military efforts.
Right after President Raisi of Iran commenced his address, Israel’s representative at the United Nations, Gilad Erdan, exited the General Assembly chamber while holding up a photograph of Mahsa Amini, the young woman who tragically lost her life after being subjected to severe beatings by Iran’s morality police.
Erdan clarified that his departure during the speech was intended to underscore Israel’s solidarity with the Iranian people. This statement was conveyed to Reuters by Israel’s mission to the United Nations.
It’s important to note that Iran and Israel, the latter of which Tehran does not acknowledge, have been engaged in a prolonged covert conflict marked by allegations of sabotage and plots involving assassinations.
Source: Reuters
