Iranian leader vows defiance to US threats while urging diplomatic talks at UN
Masoud Pezeshkian told the UN General Assembly that Iran will not submit to U.S. intimidation, but remains open to diplomacy.
During a speech to the United Nations General Assembly, Masoud Pezeshkian asserted that Iran will never capitulate to threats from the United States, despite recent remarks by Donald Trump promising to annihilate the country. He argued that increased sanctions and pressure would only intensify popular resistance within Iran. While rejecting coercion, Pezeshkian said Tehran is still willing to pursue diplomatic solutions.
He also accused the United States and Israel of hypocrisy, noting that inspectors monitor Iran’s nuclear activities while Israel, which does not acknowledge its arsenal, is thought to hold nuclear bombs. The remarks came a day after Trump’s threatening statement and highlight ongoing tensions over Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Why it matters
The speech underscores heightened Iran-U.S. tensions and the diplomatic challenges surrounding Iran's nuclear program.
How this story developed
- Sep 14 Trump says United States remains open to talks with Iran to end war
- Sep 22 Iran says it can reopen the Hormuz Strait within seven days if the United States takes initial steps to lessen its naval pressure.
- Sep 22 Donald Trump told the United Nations that he expects the United States to secure a deal with Iran after the upcoming November midterm elections.
- Sep 22 The agenda now places artificial intelligence governance at the forefront of UN discussions.
- Sep 22 At the UN General Assembly, Donald Trump suggested the United States might completely destroy Iran to end the war he started with Israel.
- Sep 22 Trump scheduled to deliver a speech at the UN General Assembly and hold bilateral talks with leaders from Britain, Ukraine, Venezuela, Denmark, Greenland and Gulf states.
- Sep 22 Trump announced a three‑hour US‑Iran meeting at the UN.
- Sep 22 Trump hinted at a possible face‑to‑face meeting between the tycoon and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian at the UN.
- Sep 23 Trump reported a meeting between US and Iranian officials at the UN summit.
- Sep 23 President Donald Trump described the US‑Iran talks as productive.
- Sep 23 Speaking before the United Nations, Masoud Pezeshkian presented images of attacks on Iranian civilians and condemned the United States for ignoring international law. He asserted that Iran's military is purely defensive and that the nation seeks only nuclear energy, not weapons. The American delegation walked out during his remarks. The speech followed a recent address by Donald Trump in which he threatened to eradicate Iran and expressed confidence in a future agreement after the US midterm elections.
- Sep 23 Emmanuel Macron at the UN General Assembly takes a stance opposite to Donald Trump.
- Sep 23 Indirect negotiations between U.S. envoys and Iran’s foreign minister began in New York.
- Sep 24 Guterres delivered his final UN General Assembly address, warning of deepening technological and geopolitical divides.
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