Pezeshkian defends Iran at UN
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said the United Nations General Assembly Iran’s presence at the United Nations gathering was an opportunity to hold talks with other countries and defend the rights and interests of the Iranian people. He said the Iranian delegation came to engage diplomatically and to represent what he described as an oppressed but resilient nation. He also said the speech he had prepared for the meeting was revised after remarks by Donald Trump.
Pezeshkian said Trump’s comments, including threats of a “big decision” and language about destroying Iran, showed a force-based approach that Iran rejects. He argued that some US actions in recent years have gone against international law and humanitarian principles, and accused Washington of using pressure in several regions of the world. He said Iran has deep historical and civilizational roots and cannot be destroyed.
The president said the Iranian people had remained supportive of the country despite heavy pressure and that their steadfastness deserved recognition. He also condemned Israeli actions in Gaza and Lebanon, saying they violate international law and have caused civilian suffering. He added that images of dead and wounded civilians are painful for any free person, especially when paired with claims about human rights.
Pezeshkian also commented on reactions among Iranians abroad, saying some had sided with certain political currents while foreigners had shown more sympathy for the victims. He said the delegation also held several diplomatic meetings on the sidelines of the gathering, where officials discussed understandings and areas for cooperation.
The annual UN gathering in New York provided the occasion for Iranian and U.S. officials to hold their first known indirect talks since a ceasefire collapsed in July.
