On September 25, during Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s visit to the United Nations, the author, along with several others had the opportunity to sit down with him for a meaningful hour and a half. The meeting was informal and personal, and should not be confused with any official statements—those can be found in his U.N. address.
President Pezeshkian warmly welcomed us, encouraging open dialogue and listening carefully and patiently to everyone present, even to those who echoed the familiar criticisms often heard from the West, particularly from Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. No topic was off-limits.He responded openly, clearly, and with conviction. In short, though the conversation covered much more ground, Pezeshkian expressed a strong desire for increased dialogue with all parties, as soon as possible. He emphasized that Iran does not want war and believes peace in the region is achievable through dialogue. He firmly stated that it is not Iran that wishes for Israel’s destruction, but rather, it is Israel that is attempting to push Iran into war. As a human being, he expressed deep embarrassment and pain at the ongoing violence against women, the elderly, and children in the region.
President Pezeshkian rejected the notion that Iran or its allies in the region are terrorists. Instead, he said they are advocates for fairness, basic human rights, and common principles. He called out the hypocrisy of Western and Israeli rhetoric about democracy and freedom while violence and suffering continue unabated.
He reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to building positive relationships with all nations, including Russia, China, and the West. According to him, Iran has always sought good relations with the West, but it is the West that has closed the door, enforcing tough sanctions.
He reminded us that Iran had no issue with, and willingly signed, the JCPOA (the Iran nuclear deal), maintaining their commitments, while it was the West that withdrew from the agreement. It is not Iran that is driving the nuclear arms race or violating international laws.
Pezeshkian stressed that Iran respects all faiths, including Judaism and Christianity, and wishes for people of all religions to live side by side in harmony. He drew a clear distinction between opposing Zionist policies and apartheid and showing respect for people of all faiths. He stated that he would do anything to save a life.
Regarding internal matters, Pezeshkian acknowledged that reforms are necessary in Iran, but he assured us that they are committed to seeing them through, though such changes will take time.
“We bear no ill will toward anyone. We want to talk. I am very open to dialogue with anyone—I have nothing to hide. We need to move beyond this fixation on war and terror and instead promote cooperation. We want peace and stability in our region. We do not want war with anyone.”
He ended by wishing us well and expressed hope that we would meet again under better circumstances.
Anthony Donovan is a hospice nurse who lives in the East Village. He is has been a political campaigner and activist from the age of 12, ending up in jail three times for nonviolent civil disobedience against the Vietnam War. Donovan is the producer of several documentaries, including Dialogues: A More Effective Path to Deal with Global Terrorism (2004), and Good Thinking, Those Who’ve Tried To Halt Nuclear Weapons (2015). His long time passion remains the abolition of nuclear weapons. He is an associate member of New York City Veterans For Peace. For his 9/11 story and work around facing “terrorism” see anthonydonovan.com.
