Iran's Rouhani Urges Diplomacy, Not Sanctions

(Image source: BBC) BY ZACH TOOMBS It was the first speech in front of the United Nations for Iranian President Hassan Rouhani Tuesday — and although it did include the call for diplomacy expected from the more moderate leader, the address was also largely defiant toward Washington's policies on Iran. ROUHANI: "Iran poses absolutely no threat to the world or to the region, in ideals or in actual practice ... My country has been a harbinger of just peace and comprehensive security." (Via Sky News) Specifically, Rouhani said a Western policy of harsh economic sanctions against Iran — led by the U.S. — has not helped relations, but has only hurt everyday citizens. (Via The New York Times) ROUHANI: "These sanctions are violent, pure and simple ... The negative impact is not nearly limited to the intended victims of sanctions." (Via BBC) Although Rouhani said Tuesday Iran was ready for dialogue with the U.S., the Obama administration said that talk requires more time than the U.N. assembly's typically quick meets offer. (Via The White House / Pete Souza) Still, Rouhani's speech came across as tolerant and hopeful compared to the rantings of former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad — known for denying the Holocaust in his own U.N. address. Ahmadinejad always defended Iran's nuclear program as peaceful — just as Rouhani did Tuesday. Though Rouhani has expressed willingness to allow international monitors and give up some ground on the issue. (Via Jewish News One) Earlier Tuesday, President Obama made his speech to the U.N. And he, too, said he wanted a diplomatic solution to the decades of sparring between Iran and the U.S. that would benefit both sides.