Changes for peace
Fereydoun Majlessi discusses the dynamics within the Iranian diplomatic apparatus amid the looming threat of a return to pre-nuclear deal sanctions.
Fereydoun Majlessi, Arman Meli Newspaper, 9 September 2025
The Persian Bridge of Friendship: South Korea, the current president of the UN Security Council, has drafted a resolution to permanently remove international sanctions on Iran. However, this action is a procedural step rather than an independent initiative, media reported on 9 September 2025.
The draft resolution is a requirement under Resolution 2231, which backed the 2015 nuclear deal and is set to expire on October 18. The resolution stipulates that sanctions will be automatically reimposed unless the Security Council votes to keep them lifted. This process is part of a "snapback" mechanism recently triggered by Britain, France, and Germany, who accused Iran of not meeting its commitments under the deal.
For the South Korean resolution to pass, it needs at least nine "yes" votes and no vetoes from the five permanent members: the United States, Britain, France, Russia, and China. However, Reuters reports that the resolution is unlikely to be adopted because the U.S. and its European allies believe Tehran has not fulfilled its obligations.
While a vote date hasn't been set, Britain, France, and Germany are urging Iran to meet three conditions by the end of the month. This could temporarily delay the sanctions and create an opportunity for new talks. Meanwhile, Russia and China have proposed their own draft resolution calling for a six-month extension of the nuclear deal and urging all parties to return to negotiations. This Russian and Chinese proposal would likely be vetoed by the U.S., France, or Britain.
In this context the Iranian former diplomat Fereydoun Majlessi reports of the dynamics of the internal debates in the Iranian diplomatic apparatus.
Fereydoun Majlessi: It seems that changes are taking place in the country's diplomatic apparatus that are tied to the nuclear issue and, if managed properly, can be a way to strengthen peace and distance themselves from war.
If these changes are understood and pursued properly, they will provide Iran with an opportunity to distance itself from the current dangerous situation. Currently, Iran is facing problems such as water shortages, electricity shortages, fuel shortages, and an unemployment crisis. Many industries have partially closed, and raw materials and financial resources for production are scarce. People's lives are under pressure, and they are worried about the future. These conditions require the country's foreign policy to also serve to calm the domestic situation. Peace is a vital alternative to war.
Currently, the region is in a fragile state, a situation that is neither war nor peace and can change at any moment. In such an environment, recklessness could lead to a new war that leaves only hatred and destruction in its wake. History has shown us that war is remembered as a symbol of hatred, while peace and development bring hope and prosperity.
Domestic and foreign investors will participate only in the shadow of security and stability. Without it, even wealthy domestic individuals will refrain from investing in the country. Therefore, establishing peaceful relations and avoiding tension is urgent. At the regional level, Iran can collaborate with Arab countries to support Palestine within the framework of defending the rights of its people. Our main priority must be domestic development and prosperity. This path is only possible by strengthening diplomacy and avoiding costly aggressive behaviors.
Finally, now more than ever, we must consider developing peace and friendship. The future of our country depends on decisions that can prevent war and lay the groundwork for rebuilding our economy and improving the well-being of our people. The choice between war and peace is the choice between destruction and prosperity.