Iran President Pezeshkian Rejects US Pressure at UNGA

He made the statement after a speech by US President Donald Trump, who denounced the continuing confrontation with Tehran and warned that Washington could "annihilate the Islamic Republic" if an agreement was not reached.

Pezeshkian Defends Iran’s Actions

President Masoud Pezeshkian took on US President Donald Trump during his speech to the UN General Assembly, rebutting the narrative of Iran as a "terrorist state." He held a number of photographs of victims of the Minab school attack, demonstrating the civilians who have lost their lives. Pages of photographs of graves and children and victims of attacks on Iranian civilians were shown as he made his speech about the attacks on Iranian civilians.

He said, “We have only defended ourselves. We are not terrorists. Our innocent people have been the targets of cowardly attacks and aggressions imposed upon our country. And we defended ourselves with utmost strength. America and Israel attacked us.”

“I come from an Iran in which our esteemed Supreme Leader was assassinated without any legal framework or reason. I come from Iran where, in truth, they bombed a school,” he added.

The US delegation left the UN General Assembly room as Pezeshkian spoke in response to the US and Israeli attack and President Donald Trump's comments on Tehran.

Iran Protects Nuclear Rights

On Iran's nuclear program, President Pezeshkian said Tehran would not renounce its right as it understands it to be civilian nuclear technology. He affirmed the distinction between the civilian program in Iran and the production of nuclear warheads. 

"We will not bow our head and give up the right that is inherently ours. We say it clearly- no nuclear weapons, and no limitations to peaceful nuclear technology." he said.

Pezeshkian challenged the double standards of nuclear inspections, stating Israel had nuclear and other weapons while Iran still is subject to calls for international inspections.

Strait Of Hormuz Under Focus

Pezeshkian's speech also focused on the vital Strait of Hormuz, where a large amount of the world's energy trade takes place. Since the war began, shipping through the strait has been affected, making its re-opening a major goal in the diplomatic talks.

"It cannot be the case that everyone benefits from the Strait of Hormuz while we are denied access to shipping through this waterway. The permanent deployment of hostile fleets and the expansion of the war will not lead to peace," he said.