New York: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Wednesday rejected US pressure and sanctions against Tehran, telling the United Nations General Assembly that Iran would not surrender to coercion while remaining open to diplomacy.
Addressing the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, Pezeshkian said negotiations with the United States could take place only on an equal footing and without what he described as the “language of force”. His remarks came amid ongoing US-Iran tensions and diplomatic efforts to explore a possible agreement.
Pezeshkian said increased sanctions and pressure would strengthen resistance inside Iran. He criticised US President Donald Trump’s warnings against Tehran and argued that international relations should be based on law and diplomacy rather than coercion.
“We will never bow our head,” Pezeshkian said, while reiterating that Iran was prepared to engage in dialogue.
Iran defends nuclear programme
Pezeshkian also defended Iran’s nuclear programme, saying Tehran's nuclear technology was intended for peaceful purposes, including energy, agriculture and industrial development.
He said Iran would not accept restrictions on what it considers its right to peaceful nuclear technology while also stating that Tehran does not seek nuclear weapons. The United Nations reported that Pezeshkian said Iran seeks energy for development and regards peaceful nuclear technology as part of its progress.
Pezeshkian criticised what he described as unequal treatment of Iran and Israel over nuclear capabilities and inspections. His comments came amid continuing international concerns over Iran’s nuclear activities.
Pezeshkian speaks on Gaza
The Iranian president also addressed the situation in Gaza, describing it as a major concern for the international community. He criticised the international response to civilian suffering and argued that the conflict had not resolved the Palestinian demand for self-determination.
Pezeshkian said continued conflict and displacement would contribute to further resistance, while criticising the labelling of Palestinian resistance as terrorism.
US-Iran diplomacy continues
Pezeshkian’s speech came as Washington and Tehran continued indirect diplomatic contacts. US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner had met mediators involved in discussions with Iran on Tuesday, according to reports. Trump later described the meeting as positive.
However, a senior Iranian official told Reuters that the United States and Iran remained far apart on how to end their conflict, even as Tehran maintained that diplomacy should continue.
The latest exchanges at the UN General Assembly come against the backdrop of heightened US-Iran tensions and continued debate over Iran’s nuclear programme, sanctions and regional security.
