Iran President-elect Masoud Pezeshkian has rejected US pressure and praised Tehran's allies in a message outlining his foreign policy positions to the nation as he prepares to take office.
“The United States … needs to recognise the reality and understand, once and for all, that Iran does not – and will not – respond to pressure [and] that Iran’s defence doctrine does not include nuclear weapons,” Mr Pezeshkian said in the statement.
Mr Pezeshkian, a moderate who promised to lessen Iran's international isolation, said that Tehran would expand ties with neighbours and engage with Europe.
However, he also praised China and Russia, suggesting a degree of continuity in Iran's allegiances and positions.
“China and Russia have consistently stood by us during challenging times. We deeply value this friendship.
“Russia is a valued strategic ally and neighbour to Iran, and my administration will remain committed to expanding and enhancing our co-operation,” Mr Pezeshkian said.
He added that Tehran, which has been accused of sending military drones to Russia to be used in Ukraine, would support initiatives aimed at ending the war there.
Mr Pezeshkian has also pledged to re-engage with the international community over Iran's nuclear programme. Tehran maintains that it is developing nuclear energy for domestic use, but critics worry the country is trying to develop a nuclear bomb.
During presidential debates, the 69-year-old heart surgeon defended former president Hassan Rouhani, who signed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action nuclear deal with the US in 2015.
President Donald Trump abandoned the treaty in 2018 and increased sanctions on Iran. Mr Pezeshkian accused hardline rivals of sabotaging attempts by Mr Rouhani to renegotiate the treaty in 2021.
He now has a popular mandate to revive nuclear negotiations with the US. But ultimate decision-making in Iran is made by supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps having a significant influence.
He may also face a second Trump term. Although the former president is seen as unlikely to engage with Iran on the nuclear issue, Mr Pezeshkian said “we can do business with him” during the presidential debates.
During his election campaign, Mr Pezeshkian also praised Iran's recently improved relations with its Arab neighbours, especially Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
“The Iranian people have entrusted me with a strong mandate to vigorously pursue constructive engagement on the international stage while insisting on our rights, our dignity and our deserved role in the region and the world,” said Mr Pezeshkian.
“I extend an open invitation to those willing to join us in this historic endeavour,” he added.
The statement was titled My Message to the New World and published in the Tehran Times on Saturday.
He defeated hardline candidate Saeed Jalili by nearly three million votes in a run-off on July 5.
The election was called after former president Ebrahim Raisi died in a helicopter crash in northern Iran.
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MATCH INFO
Delhi Daredevils 174-4 (20 ovs)
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Delhi won the match by 11 runs
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World Cup League Two
Results
Oman beat Nepal by 18 runs
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Nepal beat United States by 35 runs
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Tuesday, Oman v United States
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- The UAE government announced a retirement savings plan for private and free zone sector employees in 2023.
- Dubai’s savings retirement scheme for foreign employees working in the emirate’s government and public sector came into effect in 2022.
- National Bonds unveiled a Golden Pension Scheme in 2022 to help private-sector foreign employees with their financial planning.
- In April 2021, Hayah Insurance unveiled a workplace savings plan to help UAE employees save for their retirement.
- Lunate, an Abu Dhabi-based investment manager, has launched a fund that will allow UAE private companies to offer employees investment returns on end-of-service benefits.
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Dinesh Chandimal, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kaushal Silva, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Lahiru Thirimanne, Niroshan Dickwella, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Rangana Herath, Suranga Lakmal, Nuwan Pradeep, Lakshan Sandakan, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Jeffrey Vandersay, Milinda Siriwardana, Roshen Silva, Akila Dananjaya, Charith Asalanka, Shaminda Eranga and Dhammika Prasad.
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Directed: Abhishek Pathak
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The rules on fostering in the UAE
A foster couple or family must:
- be Muslim, Emirati and be residing in the UAE
- not be younger than 25 years old
- not have been convicted of offences or crimes involving moral turpitude
- be free of infectious diseases or psychological and mental disorders
- have the ability to support its members and the foster child financially
- undertake to treat and raise the child in a proper manner and take care of his or her health and well-being
- A single, divorced or widowed Muslim Emirati female, residing in the UAE may apply to foster a child if she is at least 30 years old and able to support the child financially
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Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
Tori Amos
Native Invader
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