In a recent statement published in the Tehran Times newspaper, Iran's newly elected President, Masoud Pezeshkian, expressed his desire to enhance relations with European countries. Despite accusing Europe of backtracking on commitments to alleviate the impact of US sanctions, Pezeshkian emphasized his openness to engaging in constructive dialogue based on principles of mutual respect.

Pezeshkian highlighted that there were numerous areas of cooperation to explore once European powers acknowledged the reality and set aside what he referred to as "self-arrogated moral supremacy" and "manufactured crises" that have plagued relations between Iran and European countries for an extended period.

He pointed out that in 2018, the US, under the previous administration of Donald Trump, withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also known as the landmark nuclear deal. The move was regretted by the European Union, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany, who later reinstated sanctions.

According to Pezeshkian, European countries had made 11 commitments to Iran in an attempt to salvage the agreement and mitigate the impact of US sanctions on Iran's economy. These commitments included ensuring effective banking transactions, protecting companies from US sanctions, and promoting investments in Iran. However, Pezeshkian claimed that European countries had reneged on all these commitments while expecting Iran to fulfill its obligations under the JCPOA.

The 69-year-old President-elect, who is a trained heart surgeon and lawmaker, won Iran's presidential election last Saturday, defeating his hardline rival Saeed Jalili, Iran's former nuclear negotiator. Pezeshkian has been known for his reformist stance and has favored dialogue with Iran's adversaries, particularly regarding the country's nuclear program. He believes that engaging in such dialogue can address Iran's domestic issues.

In his statement, Pezeshkian reiterated that Iran's defense doctrine does not include nuclear weapons. He urged the United States to learn from past miscalculations and adjust its policy accordingly, emphasizing the need for decision-makers in Washington to recognize that a policy of pitting regional countries against each other has not succeeded and will not succeed in the future.

However, it is important to note that Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, has the final say on all matters of state. President-elect Pezeshkian will ultimately defer to Khamenei, who has previously condemned those seeking improved relations with the West, on matters of foreign policy.

As Iran prepares for a new chapter under the leadership of President-elect Masoud Pezeshkian, the international community will closely watch the developments and potential shifts in Iran's stance towards Europe and the United States.