Tianjin: President Masoud Pezeshkian has called on the United Nations to take practical measures to put an end to Israel’s crimes and warmongering in the West Asia region. The president made the remarks while meeting UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Plus Summit in Tianjin, China, on Monday.
According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Pezeshkian thanked Guterres for his stance on Israel’s actions against Palestinians in Gaza and its aggression against Iran in June. He urged the UN chief to adopt a stronger position against Israel over its activities in Gaza and other parts of the West Asia region. Pezeshkian emphasized the expectation that international organizations, particularly the United Nations, should take more practical and serious measures in response to the Zionist regime’s actions in the region.
Pezeshkian highlighted the war of aggression that Israel launched against Iran in June, noting that Iran was under attack while it was negotiating with the United States over its nuclear program. He pointed out that Iran has been a victim of terrorism since its establishment, with many of its senior officials and prominent figures assassinated in terrorist attacks. He criticized Israel for carrying out assassinations in the region under the pretext of self-defense.
The Iranian president also criticized the International Atomic Energy Agency and its director general for not condemning Israel’s attacks on Iranian nuclear sites, despite Iran’s adherence to rigorous inspections by the agency. He expressed disappointment that the international organization did not condemn these attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities, which were compliant with international rules and frameworks. In response, the Iranian Parliament approved a law suspending cooperation with the agency.
Despite the suspension, Pezeshkian noted that Iran has delegated authority to the Supreme National Security Council to ensure constructive engagement with the IAEA, as Iran seeks to resolve issues through dialogue and diplomatic channels.
UN Secretary-General Guterres expressed his belief that Iran’s nuclear program is for peaceful purposes and recognized Iran’s right to such a program. He also voiced concerns about the reinstatement of UN sanctions against Iran by Britain, France, and Germany. Guterres urged the European troika to cooperate with Iran on resolving these matters.