Iran’s president-elect Masoud Pezeshkian expressed his desire to improve relations with European nations, despite accusing them of failing to uphold commitments to alleviate the effects of US sanctions.
Pezeshkian, who defeated ultraconservative Saeed Jalili in the July 6 runoff election, advocates for “constructive relations” with Western countries to end Iran’s isolation. He supports reviving the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and global powers, which the US withdrew from in 2018, leading to reimposed sanctions and Iran’s gradual non-compliance.
In an article for the Tehran Times, Pezeshkian criticized European countries for not fulfilling their promises to salvage the deal after the US withdrawal. However, he emphasized his willingness to engage in constructive dialogue with Europe based on mutual respect and equality.
EU spokeswoman Nabila Massrali congratulated Pezeshkian and stated the EU’s readiness to engage with Iran’s new government in line with its policy of critical engagement.
Pezeshkian, a heart surgeon and former health minister, took office following the death of ultraconservative president Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash. Considered a “reformist,” Pezeshkian was the only candidate from his camp approved by Iran’s Guardian Council.
The 2015 nuclear deal, aimed at curbing Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for lifting international sanctions, remains a contentious issue. European nations, party to the original deal alongside China and Russia, have been accused by Iran of inaction in the face of US sanctions.
