Raisi Calls for US Commitment to Ease Sanctions, Signals Hope for Improved Relations

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has expressed optimism about improving relations with the United States if the Biden administration demonstrates its commitment to rejoining the 2015 nuclear deal by easing sanctions. Raisi emphasized that action on sanctions can lay a foundation for further discussions and asserted that Iran has not left the negotiations table. He also defended Iran's nuclear program, stating that it is solely for peaceful purposes. Raisi's remarks come in response to the American withdrawal from the 2015 agreement, which aimed to curb Iran's nuclear program and included sanctions.

Former President Donald Trump pulled the US out of the accord in 2018, leading to the restoration of crippling sanctions on Iran. In response, Iran began breaking the terms of the agreement, including the enrichment of uranium to higher levels. Formal talks to restart the deal collapsed in August 2022. Concerns about Iran's nuclear program have been raised by the UN nuclear chief, Rafael Grossi. In an interview with The Associated Press, Grossi highlighted the removal of cameras and electronic monitoring systems by the Iranian government, making it impossible to provide assurances about the country's nuclear program.

However, Grossi also noted that Iran had slowed the pace of enriching uranium, which could be seen as an attempt to ease tensions. Raisi reiterated that Iran's nuclear program is intended for peaceful purposes, pointing to its use in various industries such as agriculture, oil, and gas infrastructure. He disputed reports of increased enrichment levels, stating that they are not based on facts. The Iranian president also addressed criticisms regarding the ban on a significant number of the International Atomic Energy Agency's nuclear inspectors. He clarified that the government is targeting individuals who could undermine Iran's trust in them, rather than inspections themselves. Inspectors who have not shown a lack of trustworthiness can continue their work.

Moreover, Raisi criticized the recent announcement by Britain, France, and Germany to maintain sanctions on Iran, which were set to expire in October under the 2015 nuclear deal. He described their actions as oppressive, unjust, and unfair. These measures include restrictions on developing ballistic missiles and the transfer of drones and missiles to and from Iran, along with asset freezes for entities involved in the nuclear and ballistic missile program. The Iranian president arrived in New York as both Iran and the US released five prisoners who had been held for years. The US also allowed the release of nearly $6 billion in Iranian frozen assets in South Korea for humanitarian purposes. Raisi expressed his appreciation to Qatar and Oman for their role as mediators in the prisoner swap, while noting that the release of the frozen assets should have occurred sooner.