The fake Iranian election has many in the West repeating the propaganda coming out of Tehran,
Iran’s President-elect Masoud Pezeshkian has expressed a desire to rebuild ties with Europe, despite accusing European nations of failing to uphold their promises to mitigate the impact of US sanctions. In a strongly worded piece for the Tehran Times, Pezeshkian laid out his vision for a future marked by constructive dialogue and mutual respect.
“Even with these setbacks, I am eager to engage in meaningful discussions with European countries to steer our relations in the right direction, grounded in mutual respect and equality,” Pezeshkian wrote.
Iran’s new President-Elect Masoud Pezeshkian aims to improve relations with Europe, calling for constructive dialogue despite past grievances over sanctions. Will the 2015 nuclear deal see a revival? #IranElection #MasoudPezeshkian #nucleardeal
Read more: https://t.co/aw1nljDNPQ pic.twitter.com/1lWQSHPEEW— Fourth Pillar Post (@Post4th) July 13, 2024
He highlighted the potential for significant cooperation, provided that European nations abandon what he termed their “self-imposed moral superiority” and the “fabricated crises” that have long hindered their relations.
On June 23, 2024, Pezeshkian spoke at the Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines, and Agriculture (ICCIMA) in Tehran. The event, which included key figures such as Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, aimed to brief Iranian business leaders on his economic strategies.
However, Pezeshkian faces the formidable task of lifting Iran out of isolation. The US’s withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018 under then-President Donald Trump, followed by reimposed sanctions, left Europe scrambling to save the deal. Pezeshkian claims that European nations made 11 commitments to offset the impact of US sanctions, commitments he says they have failed to honor.
“Europe has reneged on all its commitments, yet they unreasonably expect Iran to meet all its obligations under the JCPOA,” Pezeshkian asserted. These commitments included facilitating banking transactions, shielding companies from US sanctions, and encouraging investment in Iran.
Iranian President-elect Masoud Pezeshkian has laid out his view and approach to relations with countries in the region, Africa, and Europe, as well as China, Russia, and the US. pic.twitter.com/Qz4iQUPOiX
— Emb. I.R. Iran in Athens (@IRANinGREECE) July 13, 2024
At 69, Pezeshkian, a heart surgeon and seasoned lawmaker, secured the presidency by defeating hardline opponent Saeed Jalili, Iran’s former nuclear negotiator. His victory comes at a time of significant domestic and international pressure, positioning him as a reformist open to dialogue, particularly concerning Iran’s nuclear program.
“I want to make it clear that Iran’s defense strategy does not include nuclear weapons and urge the United States to learn from past errors and adjust its policy accordingly,” Pezeshkian wrote, advocating for a shift in Washington’s approach. “Washington’s strategy of pitting regional countries against each other has failed and will continue to fail.”
Today #Iran‘s regime’s supreme leader made his first appearance with President-elect Masoud Pezeshkian. pic.twitter.com/4R52cE0IQ8
— Jason Brodsky (@JasonMBrodsky) July 12, 2024
Nevertheless, the ultimate authority on state matters remains with Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei. Pezeshkian will defer to Khamenei, who has frequently condemned attempts to improve relations with the West.
Major Points
- Iran’s President-elect Masoud Pezeshkian aims to improve relations with Europe despite accusing them of failing to alleviate the impact of US sanctions.
- Pezeshkian emphasizes potential cooperation if Europe abandons “self-imposed moral superiority” and “fabricated crises.”
- The US’s 2018 withdrawal from the JCPOA strained Iran-Europe relations, with Europe failing to meet 11 commitments to mitigate US sanctions.
- Pezeshkian, a reformist, won the presidency amid high tensions, advocating for dialogue on Iran’s nuclear program and urging the US to change its approach.
- Despite Pezeshkian’s ambitions, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei holds the final say on foreign policy matters.
Susan Guglielmo – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
