United Nations General Assembly; Rouhani's Last Speech in His First Presidential Term

Hassan Rouhani, the President of Iran, delivered a speech at the United Nations General Assembly a year ago as well. The speech by Hassan Rouhani, the President of Iran, at the United Nations General Assembly has just begun. Mr. Rouhani's first presidential term will end next year, and therefore, his speech today at the United Nations General Assembly is his last speech in this assembly as the head of the eleventh government of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Rouhani concluded his speech with hopes for the realization of peace and the alleviation of oppression. He then accused Washington of delaying the implementation of the nuclear agreement, calling it a strategic mistake that the U.S. must take actions to rectify. The Iranian President warned against the non-implementation of the JCPOA, stating that the United States knows the JCPOA is a multilateral accepted document, and negligence in its implementation is a violation of international law, and any breach of commitment regarding it will lead to the discrediting of the U.S. Rouhani also referred to the nuclear agreement as a successful example of moderate policy and constructive engagement and dialogue. According to him, the JCPOA is an excellent model for peacefully resolving international crises and challenges. Rouhani stated that Iran opposes any form of sectarianism and incitement of religious differences. The Iranian President, as expected, criticized Saudi Arabia's positions, accusing Riyadh of supporting Takfiris and promoting hatred in the region. Rouhani remarked that the century that began with terrorism in New York should not continue with arson in the Middle East. He began his speech by referencing the September 11 incident and the subsequent wars, describing that event as a 'terrorist catastrophe' and stating that following this event and the wars thereafter, 'the seeds of borderless terrorism were sown all over the globe.' Beyond this topic, the Syrian crisis, terrorism in the Middle East, and the disputes between Tehran and the Gulf Arab countries, especially Saudi Arabia, are other issues that Mr. Rouhani is expected to address in his speech today.