Iranian President Pezeshkian Rejects US Pressure, US Delegation Walks Out at UN

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian denounced Israel's alleged possession of nuclear weapons and accused the United States and Israel of killing civilians during his Wednesday address at the UN General Assembly.

Pezeshkian stated that atomic and nuclear weapons are in the hands of the 'Israeli regime,' but the [IAEA] inspectors are requested to come to Iran. He accused Israel of not being a member of the Non-Proliferation Treaty and not allowing inspections. Pezeshkian also claimed Israel murdered savagely over 70,000 civilians in Gaza. He called Palestine an open wound and Gaza a visible symbol of the failure of international mechanisms.

Within minutes of beginning his speech, Pezeshkian accused the US and Israel of attacking Iran, claiming his nation was a victim of terrorism. He held up photographs of children killed in a US attack on Minab primary school and mentioned the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Pezeshkian stated, "We have only defended ourselves. We are not terrorists."

He directly addressed US President Donald Trump, saying, resistance of the Iranian people will only increase in the face of sanctions, increased pressure, increased bullying. They will never bow their head or bend at the knee. The sole US delegate in the General Assembly Hall stood up and walked out during Pezeshkian's remarks. On Tuesday, President Trump warned he could annihilate Iran if no deal was reached to end the war, stating he had a big decision to make.

Trump also predicted a deal would be made right after the election. He called on other countries to enforce Iran's complete economic isolation. Indirect talks between Iran and the US occurred on the sidelines of the UNGA through Qatari mediators. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner for three hours.

Trump described these talks as very productive, and Witkoff called them encouraging, constructive and successful. Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei confirmed the talks but did not confirm any shift in Iran's negotiating position. A senior Iranian official indicated willingness to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within a week if the US eased military and economic pressure.