Iran's President-Elect Masoud Pezeshkian Advocates for Improved Relations with Europe

TEHRAN — In the wake of his recent electoral victory, Iran’s president-elect Masoud Pezeshkian has expressed his aspirations for enhancing ties with European nations, while simultaneously criticizing them for failing to fulfill their commitments aimed at alleviating the effects of US sanctions.

Pezeshkian, who secured a win against ultraconservative opponent Saeed Jalili in the runoff election on July 6, emphasized the necessity for "constructive relations" with Western countries. His goal is to help lift Iran out of its international isolation and revive the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and global powers.

The 2015 accord, from which Washington unilaterally withdrew in 2018, sought to limit Iran’s nuclear activities — a program Tehran asserts is for peaceful purposes. The US withdrawal led to the reimposition of sanctions, prompting Iran to gradually diminish its adherence to the deal's terms.

In an article published late Friday in the English-language Tehran Times, Pezeshkian criticized European countries for not living up to their promises to salvage the nuclear deal and mitigate the impact of US sanctions. “European countries have reneged on all these commitments,” he wrote.

Despite this, Pezeshkian expressed optimism about the future of Iran’s diplomatic engagements. “I look forward to engaging in constructive dialogue with European countries to set our relations on the right path, based on principles of mutual respect and equal footing,” he stated.

As he prepares to take office, Pezeshkian's administration is anticipated to face significant diplomatic challenges, particularly in rebuilding trust and cooperation with Western powers. His commitment to restoring the nuclear deal and improving international relations marks a pivotal moment for Iran’s foreign policy strategy.