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Pezeshkian’s Speech at the UN: A Deceit That Offends Iranians and Misleads the World – Guest Commentary

Pezeshkian's Speech at the UN: A Deceit That Offends Iranians and Misleads the World - Guest Commentary

Watching Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian speak at the UN General Assembly was not just uncomfortable, it was infuriating for countless Iranians. It feels like outrageous hypocrisy for someone with a history of oppressive governance to lecture globally about human rights, fairness, and the welfare of children in Gaza.

If the UN could swap out teleprompters for lie detectors while Iranian representatives speak, the outcomes would likely astound everyone. These envoys of the Islamic Republic aren’t there to advocate for peace or honesty; rather, they twist the truth, position themselves as victims, and gloss over their wrongdoings to mislead the world.

Pezeshkian kicked off his speech with lofty claims about justice and equality. Yet, under his authority as a puppet of the Ayatollah, true equality is nonexistent in Iran. Women, in particular, endure severe discrimination. They’re physically assaulted and arrested for not adhering to strict hijab laws, reminiscent of the heartbreaking case of Mahsa Amini, who died at the hands of the so-called “morality police.” Fundamental rights are denied to women; their testimony in court is valued at half that of a man’s, and they require male guardians’ approval to travel. Participating in basic activities like cycling, singing, or dancing publicly is prohibited. The divorce laws rob them of custody of their children. Such deeply ingrained misogyny permeates the fabric of the Islamic Republic’s laws.

In his speech, Pezeshkian even quoted Jesus: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” However, it’s ironic considering the harsh persecution Iranian Christians face. Many have been arrested, imprisoned, or even executed simply for their beliefs. From personal experience, I can say it’s a grim reality; in 2009, I was sentenced to death for my faith in Jesus. During my time in jail, my interrogator threatened both me and my family with torture should I choose to renounce my faith.

Currently, hundreds of Christians languish in prisons in Iran due to their religious beliefs. Individuals who convert to Christianity can face death for what the Islamic regime terms apostasy. Just recently, a friend of mine was executed. Christians are subjected to ongoing persecution and stripped of their right to practice their faith freely.

Pezeshkian criticized Israel regarding the casualties in Gaza, yet he conveniently sidestepped the brutal actions of his own regime. Back in the 1980s, around 30,000 political prisoners were killed in an astonishing act of mass murder. As protests unfolded in recent years, the violence continued: in November 2019, security forces gunned down 1,500 individuals in just three days. Innocent lives, including those of children like Kian Pirfalak, Nika Shakarami, Mahsa Amini, and Sarina Esmailzadeh, were lost because of this administration.

At the UN, Pezeshkian displayed images of deceased children in Gaza and condemned Israel, yet those in Iran understand their leader is a true butcher of children. They are aware that suffering in Gaza stems not just from Hamas but is also funded, in part, by Iranians whose resources are misappropriated by the Islamic regime.

Pezeshkian accused others of depriving Gazans of food, water, and medicine, while millions in Iran themselves struggle with hunger. Despite the country’s rich natural resources, people endure daily blackouts, water shortages, and increasing poverty. Viral videos show households getting muddy water instead of clean supply. Farmers are facing severe drought due to years of poor management. Meanwhile, billions are funneled into foreign conflicts and supporting terrorist groups. The value of the Iranian Rial has crumbled.

In a recent interview, Pezeshkian denied Iran’s role in Middle Eastern terrorism, despite ample evidence to the contrary. For decades, the regime has trained, funded, and armed militias, including Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, and factions in Iraq, even supplying drones to Russia amid its war with Ukraine. Tragically, Tehran’s influence was evident during the massacre in Israel on October 7, where innocent civilians, including women and children, were brutally killed.

The regime is open about its objective: the elimination of Israel. This ideology is deeply rooted in extremist theology, which posits that the destruction of Jews is fundamental to the return of the Islamic messiah, Maddie.

Contrary to Pezeshkian’s assertions, Iranians do not rally behind the regime in a crusade against Israel. In fact, many celebrated when Israel attacked military bases and nuclear sites linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard (IRGC). While millions in Iran view Israel and the West as adversaries, they see the Tehran regime as their true oppressor, finding common ground in their struggle against tyranny.

For over four decades, the Islamic Republic has instilled fear in its citizens, destabilized the region, and deceived the global community. Its leaders pretend to advocate for justice while perpetrating atrocities both domestically and internationally. When Pezeshkian shows images of children suffering in Gaza, the world must remember the thousands of Iranian children who have had their lives taken by the same regime.

The people of Iran reject this oppression, longing for freedom, equality, and peace. They are not fooled by a man who acts like a criminal but pretends to be a politician. It’s high time for the international community to recognize this reality and stop allowing the Islamic Republic to propagate extremist ideologies and rhetoric while holding it accountable for its crimes against humanity.

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