Washington, DC – Jamal Abdi, President of the National Iranian American Council, issued the following statement as world leaders convened at the United Nations General Assembly amid increasing concerns of regional war in the Middle East:
“Iran’s new president clearly wants to negotiate and has sent a delegation to the UN that includes its previous successful nuclear negotiating team. It would be malpractice for the Biden administration not to test this opportunity. As Israel’s disastrous war in Gaza spreads to Lebanon and risks becoming an all-out regional war involving the U.S., the Biden administration must change its failed approach.
“Of course, Iran’s rhetoric must be matched by action. Iran’s previous hardline president deepened ties to Russia during the war in Ukraine and brutally cracked down on domestic protests. While Pezeshkian’s ability to change course remains unclear, it would be a profound mistake to dismiss his rhetoric without first testing it.
“Unfortunately, the Biden administration has thus far downplayed the possibility of diplomacy. Senior U.S. officials reacted coolly to the new Iranian president’s election, dismissing any likelihood that he could bring change. President Biden’s speech to the General Assembly even suggested that de-escalation was needed in Gaza and Lebanon so that attention could be turned to confronting Iran. This attitude has perpetuated the carnage in the region with no sign of resolution in sight.
“Given the stakes, dismissing opportunities for de-escalation is perilous. Isolating Iran has not improved Middle East security and will not work moving forward. Rather than assume Iran’s restraint will continue—including its non-response to an Israeli assassination on its soil—the U.S. needs a serious diplomatic strategy that utilizes leverage with friends and adversaries alike to end the bloodshed and pursue sustainable peace in the region.
As world leaders gather for the 79th session of the UNGA, NIAC emphasizes the need for bold diplomatic engagement to prevent further escalation and safeguard peace in the region. Below are key elements of NIAC’s policy positions on the conflict, regional stability, and the restoration of diplomacy with Iran.
Immediate Ceasefire and De-escalation in Lebanon and Gaza
NIAC strongly condemns all violence against civilians and calls for an immediate ceasefire in both Gaza and Lebanon. The Biden administration must take decisive diplomatic steps to push for an end to hostilities, including utilizing its leverage over Israel to halt its military operations. The current approach has left the region teetering on the brink of a broader war that could embroil the United States and Iran, with catastrophic consequences for all involved.
Lebanon, in particular, is facing the most severe escalation it has seen in years, with indiscriminate airstrikes killing civilians and fueling instability. NIAC warns that Lebanon cannot become “another Gaza,” where prolonged conflict backed by the United States results in immeasurable loss of life and deepening humanitarian crises. The Biden administration has an opportunity to advocate for a ceasefire and press for an arms embargo on all parties fueling the violence, which is essential to preventing further regional destabilization.
Diplomacy as the Only Path to Long-Term Stability
NIAC believes that diplomacy, not militarism, is the only viable solution to the ongoing conflict and broader regional tensions. The arrival of Iranian diplomats, including those who played key roles in negotiating the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), presents a rare and timely opportunity for renewed dialogue between Iran and the West. While Iran’s willingness to engage diplomatically signals hope, it is essential for the U.S. to capitalize on this opportunity and revive talks aimed at de-escalation.
President Pezeshkian’s visit to the UNGA marks a crucial juncture where U.S. leadership can determine the course of future diplomacy. The single most impactful thing the U.S. can do to address challenges posed by Iran is not to issue military threats or impose more broad economic sanctions that weaken Iranian society, but instead to negotiate an agreement that prevents a nuclear Iran and empowers the Iranian people by reducing their isolation and economic deprivation.
The alternative—allowing unchecked militarism to continue—only deepens the suffering of civilians and increases the risk of a wider conflict that could drag the U.S. and Iran into direct military confrontation.
Engaging Iran to Address Broader Regional Challenges
While the nuclear issue remains a central concern, Iran’s involvement in regional conflicts—whether directly or through militias that it supports—requires a comprehensive diplomatic approach. President Pezeshkian’s presence in New York provides an opportunity to engage Iran not just on nuclear negotiations but on the broader range of regional challenges that need urgent attention.
Iran has indicated it is open to dialogue, and the U.S. must engage Iran in discussions not only about its nuclear program but also about its role in regional conflicts, including Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen. Iran’s leverage with key actors in these conflicts makes its participation essential to any durable peace effort. By bringing Iran to the negotiating table, the U.S. can better address the humanitarian crises, political instability, and security concerns that are currently destabilizing the region.
Urgent Call for Diplomatic Action
As world leaders meet at the UNGA, NIAC calls on the Biden administration to use every available avenue for diplomacy. This includes leveraging U.S. influence to secure a ceasefire, restraining further violence, and engaging with Iran to address the broader regional crisis.
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