Western Powers in Decline Amid Rise of Regional Powers, Unions

President Ebrahim Raisi said with the rise of new powers and unions in the world, including in this region, western powers are on the decline. 
“New powers are emerging in the world and the days of unilateralism are past,” he said at the 18th general assembly of the Organization of Asia-Pacific News Agencies in Tehran on Tuesday, President.ir reported.
One of these new powers is arising from the cooperation of nations in the Asia-Pacific region, according to the president.  
“With more than half of the world population and abundant resources, as well as establishment of unions at regional level, such as the Shanghai and Eurasian cooperation organizations, nations of the region have created a new and massive power,” he said. 
Raisi described the foundation of OANA as an effective measure toward countering western media campaigns against the independence of nations, hoping that it would work more actively toward this goal during the Islamic Republic’s presidency. 
He highlighted the role of media in today’s world where domineering powers seek to void independent nations of their identity by targeting their cultures. 
“The media play a key part against this cruel assault on the culture, independence and freedom of nations,” he said. 
“Cultural terrorism” is a common method, according to Raisi, by which the truth is distorted and mingled with lies and deceit so that its reality would be lost in the circulation of information. 
“Efforts to present a correct narration of realities, rather the fabricated content offered by western media, is among other important missions of independent media,” he said, adding that today’s war is a “war of narrations”.
Applying double standards about issues such as human rights, freedom and independent is an everyday practice of the West, Raisi said.
“Your duty as people in the press and media is an enormous one in this regard.”
The president also stressed that the media can protect the values and human dignity of nations and help execute justice in societies.
The OANA was established on December 22, 1961, in a bid to facilitate information dissemination among regional countries with the support of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization.
Iran’s IRNA hosted the 2022 round of OANA’s general assembly and will keep the presidency of the media association for three years.

Stronger Than Ever

Later in his address, the president pointed to indirect negotiations with the US on the revival of the 2015 nuclear deal, saying the Islamic Republic is seeking to uphold the rights of its nation. 
“We have communicated our position with logic and reason … today it is the Americans who must decide, but they delay to buy time,” he said. 
The 2015 agreement lifted sanctions on Tehran in return for curbs on its nuclear activity, but the US pulled out and reimposed tough sanctions that prompted Tehran to react by rowing back on its commitments. 
Negotiations to restore the deal have been stalled for months over final differences. 
Iran says it would not compromise on its red lines and the onus is now on the US to make a political decision. 
“The Islamic Republic wants the removal of sanctions, but also has their neutralization on its agenda,” Raisi said. 
The president underlined that despite all sanctions and threats, Iran is now stronger than ever and acts as a key player in the region. 
US officials’ confession of the failure of their maximum pressure shows that the Islamic Republic’s resistance has forced them to retreat, he said.
Iran’s role in the regional and global resistance front is now undeniable, according to the president. 
“The schemes and disturbances that are planned against the Islamic Republic are due to this very progress and power,” he said, noting that the enemies resorted to threats when their sanctions failed. 
Raisi said he has sent a message to the Americans, telling them that they have made a miscalculation once again and this would be more detrimental for themselves.