Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian addressed the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly on September 23, 2026, characterizing his nation as a victim of terrorism at the hands of the United States. His remarks came just one day after U.S. President Donald Trump publicly stated he could annihilate the Islamic Republic.
During his address, President Pezeshkian displayed photographs of the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and more than 150 schoolchildren who were killed during the initial stages of the ongoing conflict. As the Iranian leader began his speech, the United States delegation exited the assembly hall. The U.S. mission to the UN did not immediately provide a comment regarding the walkout.
"We have only defended ourselves. We are not terrorists," Mr. Pezeshkian told the assembly. "Our innocent people have been the targets of cowardly attacks and aggressions imposed upon our country. And we defended ourselves with utmost strength. America and Israel attacked us." He further asserted that while the U.S. had struck Iran, the country would not surrender, stating, "Yes, they did hit us, but we did not bend the knee."
Addressing the U.S. President directly, Mr. Pezeshkian stated, "It must be understood by Mr Trump and those who seek to bully us that we are ready for dialogue and diplomacy and negotiations without accepting the language of force." Despite his emphasis on diplomacy, the President did not mention any specific ongoing negotiations to resolve the war.
The Iranian leader also addressed the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime route for global oil and gas supplies. He criticized the current restrictions placed on Iran, noting, "It cannot be the case that everyone benefits from the Strait of Hormuz while we are denied access to shipping through this waterway. The permanent deployment of hostile fleets and the expansion of the war will not lead to peace."
