Iranian President Hassan Rouhani Praises Nuclear Deal in His UN Address
He followed Obama and Putin at the General Assembly.
— -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani was practically effusive today in his praise for the nuclear deal struck between Iran and Western nations this summer.
He said the deal was created as a result of the "careful and clear diplomatic effort." He went on to call it "an international instrument," "a brilliant example of victory over war," and said it "sets a strong precedent."
"It can serve as a basis for foundational change in the region," Rouhani said, later adding that "this opportunity can be seized in order to look toward the future."
Even though the United States was arguably the biggest backer and force behind the deal, Rouhani criticized the United States for intervening in Iraq and Afghanistan.When addressing terrorism in the Middle East, Rouhani placed blame with the United States and others who had intervened in the region.
"If we did not have the U.S. military invasion of Afghanistan and Iraq ... today the terrorists would not have an excuse for the justification of their crimes," he said.
On other issues, Rouhani started his speech by blasting the "incompetence and mismanagement of those in charge" of the Hajj in Saudi Arabia
Rouhani has been in the United States since Thursday, though posted on Twitter today that he would be cutting his trip short and heading back to Tehran in order to greet the bodies from the deadly stampede last week during the Hajj.
This trip marked the first time the Iranian president has been in the United States since the Iran deal was announced this summer.
Iran was the subject of criticism by President Obama this morning during his speech to the General Assembly, wherein he called out the country for continuing to employ “violent proxies to advance its interests” in the Middle East.
"These efforts may appear to give Iran leverage in disputes with neighbors, but they fuel sectarian conflict that endangers the entire region," Obama said. “Iranian people have a proud history filled with extraordinary potential. But chanting 'Death to America' doesn’t create jobs or make Iran more secure."
Earlier today, Rouhani met directly with British Prime Minister David Cameron and before that he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping, along with their respective delegations. Rouhani posted photos of each meeting on his Twitter feed.
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