Iran’s President Offers to Ease Tensions with Israel Amid Rising Conflict
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has expressed readiness to reduce tensions with Israel, provided the same commitment is reciprocated. Speaking to reporters on Monday ahead of the UN General Assembly in New York, he stated, “We’re willing to put all our weapons aside so long as Israel is willing to do the same. We’re not seeking to destabilize the region.”
This marks Pezeshkian’s first appearance at the UN gathering, where he is scheduled to speak on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to address the assembly later in the week, although his travel plans are still being finalized.
Pezeshkian’s comments come amid heightened tensions following a significant explosion in Lebanon, which Iran has attributed to Israel. This incident resulted in several casualties, including injuries to Iran’s ambassador to Beirut. Iran has threatened retaliation, although Israel has not confirmed or denied involvement.
The attack reportedly targeted Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed militant group. Iran also supports Hamas, which is engaged in conflict with Israel in Gaza. Both groups are designated as terrorist organizations by the United States. Additionally, Houthi rebels in Yemen, supported by Iran, have been attacking commercial vessels in the Red Sea since last year.
Pezeshkian emphasized Iran’s desire for peace but affirmed the country’s support for its allies’ right to make independent military decisions. “They don’t take orders from anyone,” he said, highlighting that regional conflicts benefit no one. He accused Israel of attempting to incite war and destabilize the area.
He also stated that Iran had no prior knowledge of Hamas’s attacks on October 7, which ignited the current Gaza conflict, resulting in significant casualties on both sides.
As a reformer in Iran’s political landscape, Pezeshkian has shown interest in reviving negotiations regarding Tehran’s nuclear agreement with Western nations, advocating for the lifting of economic sanctions. He reiterated Iran’s commitment to the original terms of the accord.
Furthermore, he denied allegations that Iran has supplied weapons to Russia for its conflict in Ukraine, asserting, “We do not approve of Russian aggression against Ukraine. We have not and will not supply them with any ballistic missiles.”
