Tianjin: President Masoud Pezeshkian says the Islamic Republic of Iran is and has always been ready to find a diplomatic solution to peacefully resolve its nuclear issue, emphasizing that the failure of the June attacks by the US and Israel on Iran’s nuclear sites demonstrated the ineffectiveness of military action. President Pezeshkian made the remarks during his speech at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Plus Summit, which took place on Monday in Tianjin, China. The summit was held alongside the SCO Heads of State Summit.
According to Islamic Republic News Agency, the annual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization has been a platform for dialogue and exchange among countries concerned with peace and cooperation. The organization promotes regional and international cooperation based on mutual trust and respect for diversity. It offers practical responses to global challenges like economic inequalities, sanctions, climate change, and transnational security crises.
President Pezeshkian highlighted that the organization’s dialogues with other countries within the Shanghai Plus framework provide opportunities for deepened collaborations. He urged for a new framework for global cooperation, distancing from power-based logic and adopting principles based on equality and justice. He stressed that all countries should have equal rights and representation in global governance, noting the prevailing discourse in the SCO aims for peace and security through justice and development.
Further, President Pezeshkian emphasized the need for expanding cooperation with Global South countries, particularly in financial cooperation and infrastructure investments. He stated that the Islamic Republic of Iran, with its scientific resources and strategic position, is ready to cooperate in these areas. Iran’s location at the crossroads of East and West offers a geographical advantage for connecting transit routes under the Belt and Road Initiative.
President Pezeshkian addressed the challenges faced by Iran due to sanctions and military aggression, particularly by the United States. He criticized the threats from European countries to reinstate international sanctions despite their failure to adhere to commitments. He called for the SCO and independent countries to play a responsible role against these injustices.
Declaring Iran’s readiness for a diplomatic solution to its nuclear program, President Pezeshkian emphasized that military options are ineffective and increase tensions. He advised the US and Europe to pursue diplomacy for a balanced solution. He urged the SCO to engage more in peacebuilding initiatives, particularly addressing the crisis in the West Asia region and the situation in Gaza and Palestine.
In conclusion, President Pezeshkian thanked China for hosting the summit and expressed Iran’s support for President Xi Jinping’s views on reforming global governance, considering it a step toward a more just world.