New York, 25 September 2024 (dpa/MIA) - Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian called for a new political order in the Middle East in his speech to the UN General Assembly in New York on Tuesday.

Pezeshkian said the presence of foreign powers in the region "is temporary and leads to instability," as he called for more cooperation between neighbouring countries.

"Our development and progress are interconnected," said Pezeshkian, stressing that Tehran "seeks to safeguard its own security, not to create insecurity for others. We want peace for all and seek no war or quarrel with anyone."

Addressing the latest escalation in the Middle East, Iran's president once again condemned the actions of Israel. "Naturally blind Israeli terrorism over the past few days in Lebanon followed by a massive aggression with thousands of victims cannot go unanswered," he told the assembly.

"The responsibility for all consequences will be borne by those governments who have thwarted all global efforts to end this horrific catastrophe and have the audacity to call themselves champions of human rights," Pezeshkian said.

The Iranian leader called for a ceasefire in Gaza to "bring an end to the desperate barbarism of Israel in Lebanon before it engulfs the region and the world."

While Iran supports Palestinian militant organization Hamas in the Gaza Strip and the Shiite Hezbollah militia in Lebanon, it has largely held back in the conflict since Pezeshkian became president at the end of July.

The president also signalled Iran's readiness to resume nuclear talks. During his election campaign, he had announced his intention to seek better relations with the West. His advisers and ministers include experienced diplomats who are aiming for new nuclear negotiations.

Pezeshkian, who is seen as a moderate, had said he planned to use his address to the 79th session of the General Assembly in New York to improve Iran's international reputation.

While Iranian media saw the trip as a possible new beginning, there were also sceptical assessments. "There is almost no prospect of any serious talks over sanctions until the U.S. election is out the way," reported the Wall Street Journal, citing unnamed Western diplomats.

Iran has been in the throes of a massive economic crisis since the US pulled out of the nuclear deal in 2018 and reimposed new sanctions. Talks on reviving the deal have been on ice for years. Iran's leadership is increasingly isolated due to its Middle East policy and support for Russia's war against Ukraine.

Photo: EPA