Rouhani: There is hope in a preference for dialogue over conflict

Rouhani speaks first of the worldwide fear of war and hostile relations, fear of institutionalization of violence and extremism.

But there is hope too — “a preference for dialogue over conflict.”

Iran’s recent election underlines the will for peace by the brave Iranian people, he argues.

Iran’s people and government hope for peaceful resolutions to conflicts.

He says the current period of transition has both dangers and opportunities.

His criticism of Israel is thinly veiled. “The age of the zero-sum game is over, even though a few actors still intend on relying on archaic and deeply ineffective means to preserve their domination. Militarism and the resort to violence and military means for subjugating others are failed examples of the perpetuation of old ways in new circumstances.”

He complains, too, of “coercive economic policies,” a reference to international sanctions imposed on Iran.