New York (The COW News Digital) Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian told the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Wednesday that Iran had acted only in self-defense after being targeted by the United States and Israel.
Addressing world leaders at the UN, Pezeshkian defended Iran’s position in the ongoing conflict and rejected accusations that Tehran represents a terrorist state. He said Iran does not seek security at the expense of other countries and argued that no small group of nations should have a monopoly over nuclear energy.
Pezeshkian said Iran’s nuclear energy program is intended for peaceful purposes and forms part of the country’s development. He also criticized what he described as attempts to restrict Iran’s rights while allowing other countries greater access to nuclear technology.
The Iranian president said his country could not accept what he described as efforts to control freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz while military operations were being conducted against Iran. He maintained that Tehran’s military response followed attacks carried out by the United States and Israel.
“They attacked us, but we did not bow our heads,” Pezeshkian said, according to reports from his UN appearance. He argued that Iran had responded in self-defense and rejected allegations that the country itself should be described as a terrorist state.
Pezeshkian also questioned why Iran would participate in the United Nations if it were, as he said, a terrorist state. He used his appearance before the General Assembly to present Tehran’s account of the conflict and to criticize military actions against Iranian targets.
The Iranian president accused the United States and Israel of violating international law and said Iranian civilians, children and scientists had been among those affected by the attacks. He further alleged that universities and hospitals had also been targeted. These allegations were presented by Pezeshkian as part of Iran’s case before the international community.
His speech came as the United States and Iran continued indirect diplomatic contacts in New York. US officials have described recent discussions with Iranian representatives as productive, while Tehran has maintained that significant conditions remain before a broader agreement can be reached.
The Strait of Hormuz was another major issue surrounding Pezeshkian’s appearance. Iran has linked any reopening of the strategic waterway to changes in US military pressure and other conditions. The waterway remains central to global energy transportation, and disruptions have contributed to volatility in international oil markets.
Pezeshkian also referred to the killing of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. He said Haniyeh was targeted in the Iranian capital on the day of his presidential inauguration, presenting the incident as another example of the security challenges facing Iran.
The Iranian president’s UN address came one day after US President Donald Trump delivered his own speech to the General Assembly, in which he warned Iran of severe consequences while leaving the door open to a possible agreement.
Pezeshkian’s appearance therefore underscored the sharply different positions presented by Tehran and Washington at the UN, even as diplomatic contacts between the two sides continue.
