Iran’s reformist president, Masoud Pezeshkian, has indicated a willingness to resume nuclear negotiations with Western nations and has denied allegations that his country has supplied ballistic missiles to Russia since he took office seven weeks ago.
During his inaugural press conference with both local and international media, Pezeshkian defended Iran’s strong ties with the Kremlin. He highlighted the crucial support Russia has provided during a period when Iran is grappling with Western-imposed sanctions.
Pezeshkian acknowledged that some military exchanges might have occurred in the past, but he asserted that no ballistic missiles have been sent to Russia since his administration began. He refrained from giving further details.
The United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and France have accused Iran of supplying ballistic missiles to Russia for its war against Ukraine, an accusation that led to the announcement of a new round of sanctions against Tehran. Last week, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that Russia was expected to deploy new missiles with a maximum range of 75 miles (120 km) within weeks, enhancing Moscow’s capabilities and flexibility in conserving its long-range missiles for deeper targets in Ukraine.
Pezeshkian, elected in a closely contested race against a hardline rival in July, emphasized his government’s commitment to peace over war and expressed readiness for nuclear talks akin to the 2015 accord Iran signed with world powers. Former U.S. President Donald Trump exited this agreement unilaterally in 2018, subsequently imposing severe sanctions on Iran, which led to Tehran enriching uranium up to 60 percent purity.
“We are seeking a return to the framework of the [2015] nuclear deal. If they stop, we shall stop, too. If they are committed to the accord, we will be, too,” said Pezeshkian. He stressed that Iran is not pursuing nuclear arms but will not succumb to pressure.
The 69-year-old president underscored Iran’s desire to avoid sanctions and conflict, urging the U.S. to respect Iranian rights and refrain from plotting against them. He reiterated Iran’s commitment to its agreements with the U.S. and Europe.
While Western diplomats remain open to negotiations, they are convinced that Iran is collaborating militarily with Russia in the Ukraine conflict, a factor that significantly diminishes the prospects of achieving a new nuclear agreement. Additionally, escalating tensions between Iran and Israel further complicate the potential for such an agreement, more so than in 2015.
The risk of regional conflict heightened following the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, hours after he attended Pezeshkian’s inauguration in July. Iran attributed the assassination to Israel and vowed retaliation at an opportune moment.
“They [Israel] wanted to drag us into a regional war, but we have so far shown restraint while we reserve the right to respond,” Pezeshkian remarked, referencing Haniyeh’s killing.
Pezeshkian is leveraging diplomacy to rehabilitate Iran’s image domestically and internationally. Last week, he visited Iraq as his first foreign trip, marking him as the first Iranian president to visit Iraq’s Kurdistan region. His ability to speak Kurdish reportedly impressed his hosts. Additionally, he visited the Shia-populated city of Basra, wearing a traditional robe gifted to him by Shia tribal leaders.
Pezeshkian is set to travel to New York this month to deliver his first address to the UN General Assembly, where he is expected to criticize Israel over the Gaza conflict and explore the possibility of renewed negotiations with Western nations.
