President Hassan Rohani said in his speech at the United Nations that a new chapter has opened in Iran’s international relations.
Addressing the General Assembly on September 28, Rohani said that in the presidential election of 2013, the Iranian people voted for “constructive engagement with the world” which finally led to the comprehensive nuclear agreement between Iran and the world powers.
“We had taken a decision to establish a new atmosphere within our principles and we managed to do that. We stepped forward as much as possible and had the courage to show flexibility when needed,” Rohani said.
He added that Iran’s objective is to continue its “peaceful approach” in the region based on a win-win principle and to reconstruct its relations with all its neighbours.
Iran’s relations with its Arab neighbours, especially with Saudi Arabia, have become very contentious in recent years, especially with the two countries taking opposing sides in the enduring conflicts in Iraq, Syria and Yemen.
President Rohani maintained his conciliatory tone, saying: “I say to all nations and governments, we will not forget the past but we will not get stuck in it. We will not forget war and sanctions, but think of peace and development.”
Rohani also spoke about terrorism, stressing that the roots of today’s terrorism can be traced to the many U.S. military interventions in the region.
“If it weren’t for the U.S. military interventions in Afghanistan and Iraq and the unlimited U.S. support for the inhuman acts of the Zionist regime against the oppressed Palestinian nation, terrorists would not have any means of justifying their actions,” Rohani said.
The fight against terrorism should become a binding international regulation,” Rohani said; “No country should be allowed to use it as an excuse to invade another country.”
