“Most countries in the world oppose US unilateralism and abhor being bullied.”

SATURDAY FEATURE

Attack in Southwest Iran Kills 24

On the eve of his trip to the UN General Assembly in New York, Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani has appealed to the US public to challenge Washington’s withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear agreement and expanding American sanctions on Tehran.

Rouhani wrote for The Washington Post, in an article published Friday:

It has now become crystal clear that most countries in the world oppose US unilateralism and abhor being bullied.

Even if in the short term we face difficulties in our economic relations, we, along with our partners, will try to resolve those problems, and these days will pass.

Rouhani portrayed he and his Government taking the higher ground on May 8, when Donald Trump announced US withdrawal from the deal between Iran and the 5+1 Powers (US, UK, France, Germany, China, and Russia) and comprehensive sanctions by November 5:

I could have reciprocated and announced Iran’s withdrawal, which was certain to throw the region into further insecurity and instability. Or I could have considered a short grace period for the remaining parties to compensate for the adverse effects of the United States’ decision on the valuable accord that had been achieved after 12 years of tough, intensive negotiations. In keeping with our tradition of respect for the rule of law and norms of international law, and to safeguard peace and security in the region, I opted for the latter.

Rouhani maintained that his approach to establish trade and investment links, especially with European countries, “placed the United States in a lonely position” with a “unique and unprecedented…serious chasm” between the US and Europe.

He did not mention that the strategy has been largely unsuccessful, with the European Union and its members unable to shield large firms against US punishment if they do business with Iran. As a result, many of Europe’s leading firms have suspended or drawn down links with the Islamic Republic.

Instead, Rouhani expressed defiance:

Fed by disinformation and fake analysis from terrorist groups and Israel, the U.S. administration is under the illusion that resorting to sanctions will lead to concessions from Iran. Iranians, though, are known to close ranks and put up stiff resistance in the face of external pressure.

He concluded, “Peace is our arsenal, and we are committed to reciprocate each and every genuine and honest peaceful gesture and measure. On this we are resolute and steadfast.”