At the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women, Iran’s Ambassador Zahra Ershadi emphasized Iranian women’s commitment to achieving equity despite challenges like unilateral sanctions and geopolitical tensions. She highlighted their significant roles in social and economic progress, noting that women comprise 33% of university faculty and 40% of medical professionals in Iran. Ershadi condemned the violence in Gaza, linking it to violations of women’s rights and calling for international accountability. She also detailed recent strides in women’s leadership in Iran’s government, advocating for global support of women’s rights initiatives to foster a more equitable society.
In an interview with Al Jazeera, Iranian Foreign Minister asserted Iran’s military readiness against Israel, stating, “We are prepared for any scenario.” He emphasized the experience gained from recent conflicts and warned of severe consequences for any Israeli attack. The minister criticized the U.S. for supporting Israel, labeling Netanyahu a “war criminal.” He expressed a willingness to discuss Iran’s nuclear program while firmly rejecting negotiations on its missile capabilities and reaffirming Iran’s commitment to uranium enrichment. He also condemned European sanctions as illegal and reiterated support for Syria’s territorial integrity, reflecting Iran’s strong stance in regional geopolitics.
Iran has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing issues related to its peaceful nuclear program in collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), aiming to mitigate tensions with Western countries. Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi emphasized the importance of constructive dialogue, following a meeting with IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi. Iran seeks to clarify unresolved nuclear matters while ensuring the security of its facilities remains a priority. However, U.S. threats complicate these discussions, as Iran demands a cessation of such pressures for meaningful negotiations. Tehran insists that any dialogue must occur in an environment of mutual respect, free from political tensions.
In a recent interview, former Iranian foreign minister Mohammad-Javad Zarif criticized the European signatories of the JCPOA for their “unfounded” actions, asserting that Iran remained compliant with the agreement after the U.S. withdrawal. He condemned the E3 (France, Germany, UK) for their failure to fulfill commitments made in 2018, and described their attempts to invoke the dispute resolution mechanism as audacious given their non-compliance. Zarif also expressed concerns over Israeli military actions against Iran, which he believes undermine trust for negotiations. He advocates for genuine diplomatic efforts to achieve regional stability and nuclear cooperation.
Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi recently held talks with political directors from France, Britain, and Germany in Istanbul to address issues regarding the nuclear deal and sanctions lifting. He emphasized the importance of diplomacy, stating that Iran and the E3 are committed to effective dialogue. Gharibabadi mentioned that further discussions will take place as needed. Earlier, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson announced a meeting involving senior diplomats from Iran and the three European signatories of the 2015 nuclear deal to continue indirect negotiations with the United States and facilitate consultations among the nations involved.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has expressed condolences to India following a terror attack in Kashmir, emphasizing the need for enhanced regional cooperation against terrorism. In a call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he condemned the attack and highlighted the shared responsibility of nations to combat such acts. Pezeshkian also referenced India’s legacy of peace, hoping it guides future relations. He invited Modi to Tehran to discuss bilateral cooperation, particularly through the Chabahar port. Modi acknowledged Iran’s understanding of India’s suffering and reiterated the importance of unity against terrorism, while also offering condolences for a recent incident in Iran.