Iranian President Says He Is Ready for “Constructive Dialogue” with European Union

Tehran extends its hand to Brussels. Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian, elected in early July, has declared himself ready to begin “a constructive dialogue” with European countries, in a column published Saturday July 13 by a local English-language daily.

Massoud Pezeshkian outlined the broad lines of foreign policy he intends to pursue in an article published by Tehran Times. “I look forward to engaging in constructive dialogue with European countries to put our relations on the right track.”he wrote. During the election campaign, he had promised to “bringing Iran out of its isolation” by establishing “constructive relationships” with the world, especially European countries.

The president criticized in his column the United States’ withdrawal in 2018 from the international Iranian nuclear deal, concluded three years earlier, which aimed to restrict Iran’s nuclear activity in exchange for sanctions relief. Washington subsequently reimposed sanctions on the Islamic Republic. “The United States must acknowledge reality and understand, once and for all, that Iran does not respond – and will not respond – to pressure.”added Massoud Pezeshkian.

He further called Russia a“valuable strategic ally” and said he was ready to “collaborate more” with China. Regarding neighboring countries, the Iranian president called on Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Iraq, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates to “strengthening trade relations” with Iran and “meeting common challenges” In the region.