Rouhani Emphasizes 'JCPOA's Benefit for Global Stability' Before Trip to New York

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani stated on Sunday morning, September 17, before leaving Tehran for New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly, that there is a consensus in the world regarding the nuclear agreement that is beneficial for security, stability, and regional and global development. The U.S. government has accused Iran of violating the 'spirit' of the JCPOA and jeopardizing global and regional stability with its actions. According to the Iranian state news agency IRNA, Rouhani mentioned that 'the opponents of the JCPOA are limited to two or three countries, including some in the U.S.' who, according to him, 'see themselves deprived of a table that has been set.' He added that 'they can also choose the right path; they can enter the room where the table is, we have no problem with that.' Rouhani emphasized that explanations are necessary regarding the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and that the meetings scheduled in New York on this matter are 'very important.' He also noted that the trip to New York is an opportunity to express his government's viewpoints to the media, U.S. citizens, and the world. The day before, in a meeting with the Speaker of the Belgian House of Representatives, Rouhani referred to the U.S. government's approach to the nuclear agreement and the JCPOA, stating, 'We expect the European Union to fully comply with the JCPOA and to pressure the U.S. regarding its commitments to the JCPOA and send them a clear message.' Despite Rouhani's assertion that the JCPOA is beneficial for stability in the region and the world, the U.S. government holds a different view, accusing Tehran of actions contrary to the 'spirit' of the JCPOA, such as missile tests, support for militias, and other issues, which it claims threaten regional and global stability. The European countries involved in the nuclear agreement negotiations with Iran, namely Germany, France, and the UK, have also issued a joint statement with the U.S. describing Iran's ballistic missile tests as inconsistent with the nuclear agreement. However, the Europeans have emphasized the importance of preserving the nuclear agreement and have engaged in discussions with U.S. officials on this matter. Recently, U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated that Iran disregards the 'spirit' of the nuclear agreement with its actions, and the U.S. will not tolerate such behavior. In a conversation with reporters, he did not directly indicate whether Washington would confirm Tehran's compliance with the JCPOA at the end of the usual 90-day period, stating, 'You will see soon.' U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson announced on September 13 that his administration continues to review its policy towards Iran, considering all 'threats, not just Iran's nuclear capabilities.' Iran has stated that its missile program is defensive and that it is not seeking to build nuclear weapons. Tehran denies allegations of interference in other countries' affairs or providing practical or military support to militia groups. Both the U.S. President and the Iranian President will address the General Assembly at the United Nations headquarters in New York.