UNITED NATIONS, New York
During a recent address to the United Nations General Assembly, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian depicted his country as a target of terrorism from the U.S. and Israel. Meanwhile, outside the assembly, around a thousand protesters called for his arrest, accusing him of being a terrorist.
“They are terrorists, they must go!” the demonstrators yelled, waving flags in green, white, and red. The atmosphere was charged, as many voiced anger and defiance against the Iranian regime.
Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani characterized Pezeshkian’s speech as filled with lies, labeling him a murderer and a terrorist. Giuliani further stated that negotiating with such a leader was futile, comparing it to striking a deal with Hitler.
Others echoed these sentiments, criticizing the radical Islamic regime for decades of oppression and violence against the Iranian populace. Reports suggest that over 20,000 protesters, who had called for freedom earlier in the year, have reportedly been killed by the government. Additionally, executions of political prisoners persist, adding a grim facet to the situation.
Retired Lt. General Keith Kellogg, who served in both Trump administrations, urged that it’s time to liberate Iran from its religious leaders. He offered a vision of Iran as a secular, non-nuclear nation that could reconnect with the free world.
Former U.S. Ambassador Marc Ginsberg pushed Congress to support the “Maximum Support Act,” aimed at reducing Iran’s resources, seizing government assets, and promoting internet freedom for the Iranian people—allowing them to organize and express their voices.
Maryam Rajavi, president-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran, delivered a video message stating that the Iranian populace has consistently rejected all types of dictatorship. She emphasized that the international community must hear the voices of those suffering under the regime’s rule.
Alireza Jafarzadeh, Deputy Director of the NCRI Washington, D.C. office, expressed that the Iranian regime responds only to strong measures. He asserted that imposing sanctions and external pressure was currently the only effective approach.
Overall, the strong sentiments expressed during the rally underscored a prevailing belief that substantial change in Iran must originate from the will of its people, rather than through external negotiations or interventions.
