Iran’s President Addresses UN General Assembly
Iranian President Masudo Pezeshkian stated that Iran “doesn’t seek to build nuclear weapons,” which he claims do not exist. During his speech at the UN General Assembly, he criticized Israel, labeling it an “invader.”
Pezeshkian’s remarks depicted Iran as a nation enduring “wild attacks” from Israel. He accused Israel of committing “genocide” in Gaza and of destabilizing the region through actions related to a supposed plot known as “Great Israel.” In a somewhat philosophical turn, he invoked a “golden proverb,” emphasizing the need to refrain from approving harm for oneself or others, referencing tenets from Christianity, Islam, and Judaism.
He reflected on events from the past two years, mentioning violations of Lebanon’s sovereignty and describing them as “insane” acts led by militants. He remarked on the tragic circumstances surrounding Iranian scientists and the conflicts they face.
The term “genocide” he used refers to the ongoing war where Israel is fighting against Hamas, an organization explicitly aimed at the destruction of Israel and its people. Notably, Iran is known to fund similar groups like Hamas with significant financial contributions each year.
The conflict escalated when Hamas initiated an invasion of Israel on October 7, 2023, leading to horrific acts against Israeli citizens and resulting in an estimated 1,200 deaths.
Pezeshkian asserted that these actions violate the sovereignty and integrity of states, targeting leaders while claiming self-defense. He posed pointed questions about who really threatens global peace and stability.
He also criticized recent U.S. military actions against Iran’s nuclear facilities, calling them “savage aggression” that contravened international law, particularly during a period when diplomatic negotiations were taking shape.
The Iranian president remarked that Iran “never succumbs to the invaders,” underscoring the strength derived from faith and unity among Middle Eastern states.
Pezeshkian’s criticism extended to Western countries like Britain, France, and Germany for supporting the “snapback” of UN sanctions on Iran related to the 2015 nuclear agreement. He reiterated Iran’s longstanding stance of not pursuing nuclear weapons, emphasizing this belief is rooted in directives from the Supreme Leader and religious authorities.
“I declare once more, before this assembly, that Iran has never pursued the construction of a nuclear bomb, nor do we want one,” he stated, adding that they do not seek weapons of mass destruction.
Interestingly, he mentioned that no evidence exists to support claims that a fatwa against nuclear weapons is in place.
Pezeshkian concluded by reaffirming Iran’s role as a “trustworthy companion” for nations seeking peace, highlighting their resilience against what he called lawless attacks and discrimination. He expressed hope that this historic achievement would pave the way for a brighter future for the Iranian people.
