Iran’s President Addresses UN, Criticizes U.S. Policies

On Wednesday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian spoke at the United Nations General Assembly, aiming to portray Iran as a victim of U.S. aggression while condemning American foreign policy.

In his address to global leaders, Pezeshkian accused the U.S. of executing military operations that lead to the deaths of civilians.

His speech prompted a noticeable diplomatic response within the General Assembly Hall, where the only American delegate present gathered their things and left as Pezeshkian criticized U.S. actions.

Pezeshkian’s remarks consistently directed blame for rising regional tensions at the United States, framing Iran’s actions as merely defensive against what he described as “foreign interference and unlawful violence.”

“The United States’ president described us as terrorists,” he stated, referring to comments made by President Donald Trump just a day prior. “[But] we have been the victims of terrorism.”

Earlier this year, the U.S. and Israel initiated targeted military strikes against Iran, aimed at curbing the regime’s nuclear weapons program, which was seen as a growing threat to regional stability.

As this coalition effort has continued, Iran has ramped up tensions in the Middle East, launching strikes against Gulf nations hosting U.S. military bases. Pezeshkian accused the U.S. of hitting civilian targets, a claim that has been strongly denied by U.S. officials.

The Iranian president insisted that Iran is not the aggressor but has always responded to threats from outside forces.

“Two hundred years — for the past two centuries, Iran has not attacked any country or any territory, but we’ve always defended ourselves steadfastly,” he said. “Iran has never, ever been an aggressor, has never started a war, and has always shown her commitment to the negotiating table.”

While there have been intermittent diplomatic talks over the last few months, Trump has expressed frustration with Iranian negotiators, labeling their leadership as “unbelievably duplicitous” due to their contradictory statements during negotiations.

A significant obstacle in these negotiations has revolved around Iran’s nuclear program.

The U.S. continually asserts that Iran aims to develop a nuclear weapon, whereas Tehran claims its uranium enrichment efforts are strictly for “peaceful civilian energy and medical purposes.” However, Washington and international regulatory bodies view this explanation with skepticism, especially given the high levels of enrichment involved.

“But for our country, peaceful nuclear technology is part of our inherent progress. For our sick people, it is cure and treatment; for the agricultural sector, it is food security; for industry, it is advancement and progress and supply of electrical energy,” Pezeshkian asserted during his speech.

Prior to the ongoing conflict, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported that Iran had enriched uranium up to 60%. Typically, uranium enrichment levels above 20% are considered highly enriched, while most commercial reactors utilize low-enriched material below 5%.

The jump from 60% to 90% — classified as weapons-grade — is more straightforward than reaching that initial 20% threshold, potentially taking as little as a week to ten days.

“Iran does not accept for nuclear technology to be at the exclusive disposal of some, of a handful,” Pezeshkian remarked. “We will not bow our head and give up the right that is inherently ours.”

He further criticized the pressure on Iran to surrender its nuclear ambitions while Israel, which is assumed to possess numerous nuclear warheads, is permitted to retain its arsenal.

“I will repeat: the nuclear weapon is in Israel, but the inspectors in Iran,” he noted.

Pezeshkian also condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza, asserting that Iran is not responsible for the region’s instability.

The U.S. has categorized Iran as a State Sponsor of Terrorism since 1984, noting its support for various terrorist organizations across the Middle East. In 2019, the U.S. Secretary of State labeled the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) a Foreign Terrorist Organization as well.

In conclusion, Pezeshkian reaffirmed Iran’s resolve in the face of military and economic pressure, emphasizing their readiness for diplomatic engagement.

“We will never bow our head or bend at the knee. Iran must be understood by Mr. Trump and those who seek to bully us that we are ready for dialogue and diplomacy and negotiations without accepting the language of force,” he stated.