Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has arrived in New York leading a high-ranking political delegation, expressing the Islamic Republic's readiness to negotiate the revival of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) under "honorable diplomacy."

His remarks came during a meeting with senior American media outlets on Monday, coinciding with the ongoing 19th United Nations General Assembly summit.

Pezeshkian stated that Iran is prepared to adhere to its obligations under the JCPOA, provided that the United States and European parties fulfill their commitments as well. He emphasized that Iran has complied with all its commitments, blaming former President Donald Trump for withdrawing from the agreement and highlighting that other signatories have also failed to meet their obligations.

The Iranian president reiterated that, according to a Fatwa issued by the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Iran does not seek nuclear weapons and is subject to rigorous inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). His statements garnered significant attention, with an American journalist noting that Iran is ready to resume negotiations but is not interested in a new agreement.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, in a video interview on his Telegram channel, also indicated willingness to restart nuclear negotiations during the General Assembly if other parties are open to it. He plans to meet with European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell to discuss nuclear negotiations.

Pezeshkian criticized the West for exacerbating tensions surrounding Iran's peaceful nuclear program and for unjustly labeling it a threat. He pointed out that after signing the JCPOA in 2014, Iran complied with its obligations, as confirmed by the IAEA, but faced renewed sanctions following the U.S. withdrawal in 2018.

Despite the challenges, Pezeshkian expressed optimism about engaging in constructive dialogue with European countries and urged the U.S. to recognize that Iran does not respond to pressure. He called for the Western parties to take meaningful steps toward a final agreement, emphasizing the need for mutual respect and equal footing in future negotiations. (ILKHA)