Wed Sep 25 02:46:58 UTC 2024: ## Iran Offers Olive Branch on Nuclear Deal, Criticizes Israel at UN

**New York, NY -** Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian addressed the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, offering a conciliatory tone towards the West and expressing his country’s willingness to re-engage in the 2015 nuclear deal. However, his speech also contained sharp criticism of Israel, condemning its actions in Gaza and Lebanon.

“We are ready to engage with participants of the 2015 nuclear deal,” Pezeshkian said, emphasizing that Iran’s participation hinges on “full and good faith” implementation of the agreement by all parties.

The Iranian leader acknowledged the challenges in Iran’s relationship with the United States, citing crippling sanctions and the 2020 killing of General Qassem Soleimani. He expressed a desire for “constructive” international relations and a “new era” for Iran.

Pezeshkian’s call for re-engagement comes amidst ongoing efforts to revive the nuclear deal, which was abandoned by the Trump administration in 2018. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) head, Rafael Grossi, reported sensing a greater willingness from Iranian officials to cooperate with the agency and announced plans to travel to Tehran in October.

While offering a potential opening on the nuclear issue, Pezeshkian did not shy away from expressing his strong condemnation of Israel. He called Israel’s actions in Gaza a “genocide” and accused them of “atrocities”, “crimes against humanity”, and “desperate barbarism.”

Pezeshkian’s speech has been described as “moderate” by Al Jazeera’s Mike Hanna, who noted the Iranian president’s emphasis on a peaceful resolution of regional conflicts and his call for an end to the war in Ukraine.

The Iranian leader’s statements have sparked mixed reactions, with some experts viewing them as a genuine attempt at diplomacy while others remain cautious, highlighting the long-standing tensions between Iran and the West. The upcoming months will be crucial in gauging Iran’s commitment to reviving the nuclear deal and whether it can bridge the divides with Israel.

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