In brief
Masoud Pezeshkian addressed the UN General Assembly in New York, rejecting President Donald Trump’s threat to “annihilate” Iran if a deal is not reached. He warned that sanctions, pressure and bullying would strengthen Iranian resistance and stressed the need for a diplomatic settlement, including termination of the US blockade of Iranian shipping. Pezeshkian also reiterated Iran’s commitment to a peaceful nuclear programme and control over the Strait of Hormuz. The speech followed a fragile tentative dialogue between Iran and the US and highlighted escalating conflicts in the region.
Iran’s President Rejects Trump’s “Annihilation” Threat
Masoud Pezeshkian delivered his address to the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, affirming that the Iranian people would never “bend the knee” to the United States despite President Donald Trump’s warning to “annihilate” the Islamic Republic if a deal is not reached.
“The resistance of the Iranian people will only increase in the face of sanctions, increased pressure, increased bullying,” Pezeshkian warned. He added that any agreement should end the US blockade that blocks Iranian ships from accessing the Strait of Hormuz.
The president reminded delegations that while the outside world enjoys the benefits of the strait, Iran is denied access, insisting on restoring Iranian control and rights to receive fees from vessels.
He also emphasised Iran’s commitment to a peaceful nuclear programme, stating, “We say it clearly: no nuclear weapons and no limitations on peaceful nuclear technology.”
Pezeshkian’s remarks came after the US withdrew its nationals to the US Embassy following a walkout earlier in the session, amid Trump’s own speech threatening swift action. The speech came at a time of tentative diplomatic talks between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US envoy Steve Witkoff, mediated by Qatar.
The president’s address underscores the escalating tensions in the eastern Mediterranean and the broader Gulf region, as both sides weigh the possibility of diplomatic negotiations against hard line postures.
