In his first address to the United Nations General Assembly since the outbreak of war involving the US and Israel, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian delivered a fiery speech accusing Washington of state-sponsored terrorism and displaying photographs of high-profile casualties.
Key Highlights of Pezeshkian’s UNGA Address
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Photographic Evidence Displayed: While speaking, the 71-year-old Iranian leader held up photographs of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei—who was assassinated on the opening day of the war on February 28—alongside pictures of 150 school children reportedly killed in a US strike.
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Rebuttal to Washington: Responding to remarks made by US President Donald Trump labeling Iran as sponsors of terrorism, Pezeshkian countered, “The President of the United States called us terrorists. We have been the victims of terrorism.”
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Defiant Stance on Sanctions: Pezeshkian warned that increased economic pressure, sanctions, and “bullying” by the US would only steel Iran’s resolve, stating, “We will never bow our head or bend at the knee.”
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Strait of Hormuz Warning: Addressing the ongoing disruptions in the vital shipping lane that have caused global energy prices to spike, Pezeshkian stated that Tehran would not allow the waterway to be utilized for aggression against Iran.
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US Walkout: As the Iranian President delivered his address, the sole US delegate present in the hall walked out of the General Assembly.
The address follows remarks by US President Trump earlier in the week, where he stated he was weighing whether to “annihilate” Iran while simultaneously acknowledging ongoing behind-the-scenes diplomatic talks.
