UN General Assembly
2014

aggressions of the Zionist regime. We in the Islamic Republic of Iran consider interaction and confidence-building among the States of the region as fundamentally essential for conflict resolution. We support any measure to promote cooperation among Islamic nations to combat extremism and threats and aggression, and in that connection we are prepared to play our permanent constructive and positive role. The oppressive sanctions against Iran go on, in continuation of a strategic mistake against a moderate and independent nation in the current sensitive conditions in our region. During the past year, we have engaged in the most transparent possible dialogue to build confidence regarding Iran’s peaceful nuclear programme. We placed serious and honest negotiations on the agenda, not as a result of sanctions or threats but rather because of the will of our people. We are of the view that the nuclear issue can be resolved only through negotiation, and those who may think of other solutions would be commiting a grave mistake. Any delay in reaching final agreement only raises the costs — not