In brief
In a thunderous speech at the UN General Assembly, Iran’s president Masoud Pezeshkian rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s rhetoric of ‘annihilation’ and insisted Iran would refuse to submit to Western coercion. He demanded the U.S. lift its blockade of Iranian shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and highlighted the human cost of the conflict, citing civilian casualties. Despite the threat, Pezeshkian indicated Iran is open to dialogue, provided the blockade ends and nuclear limitations are respected. The address followed a joint U.S.–Iran diplomatic effort in Qatar and comes amid reports of attacks on Iranian vessels and civilian facilities. The U.S. delegation left the UN chamber following his remarks, underscoring the growing divide between the two nations.
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian says his country will never ‘bend the knee’ to U.S. demands.
During his address to the United Nations General Assembly, Pezeshkian blasted U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to “annihilate” the Islamic Republic if a deal isn’t reached, calling it a sign of a bullying mentality.
He insisted that the U.S. blockade, which stops Iranian ships from using the strategic Strait of Hormuz, must be lifted as part of any potential resolution.
Pezeshkian also highlighted the heavy toll on civilians—more than 175 killed, two-thirds children—in recent missile strikes, and urged the U.S. to recognize Iran’s right to a peaceful nuclear programme.
Despite the harsh rhetoric, the president added that Iran is ready for dialogue and negotiation, provided the U.S. ends its pressure tactics.
The U.S. delegation left the UN chamber after the speech, signalling a sharp rift, while indirect talks had already begun under Qatari mediation that week.
