Pezeshkian Defends Nuclear Rights and Condemns US at UN

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian delivered a sharp address to the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, directly challenging the United States over recent military actions and diplomatic tensions.

According to Roya News, the speech marked a significant moment of confrontation, with Pezeshkian explicitly rejecting accusations that Iran seeks nuclear weapons while defending the country's right to its own energy program.

The president framed the discourse around sovereignty and survival, stating that Iran would not compromise its national dignity or technical capabilities. He concluded his remarks with a direct message to US President Donald Trump, emphasizing that Tehran would maintain its stance regardless of external pressure or isolation.

Accusations of Targeting Civilian Infrastructure

During his speech, Pezeshkian accused Washington of deliberately targeting sensitive civilian sites, including schools, universities, and healthcare facilities. He cited specific incidents, such as the reported attack on a primary school in Minab, to support his claim that Iran has been subjected to acts of terrorism. Visual evidence, including photographs of victims, was presented to the assembly to underscore the humanitarian cost of these actions.

The Iranian leadership maintained that its responses to perceived threats have avoided civilian populations, contrasting this with what they describe as US aggression. This narrative seeks to position Iran as a victim of disproportionate force, aiming to garner international sympathy and delegitimize American military operations in the region.

Defense of Peaceful Nuclear Technology

Pezeshkian firmly denied that Tehran is pursuing nuclear weapons, reiterating that Iran's nuclear program is strictly for peaceful purposes. He described the right to access nuclear technology as an inherent attribute of the state, one that cannot be surrendered under duress. This assertion challenges the current international framework that seeks to limit Iran's nuclear capabilities through sanctions and inspections.

The president highlighted the double standard in global non-proliferation efforts by pointing to the uninspected nuclear arsenal of Israel. He argued that while Iran is subjected to rigorous oversight and punitive measures, other regional actors face no such scrutiny. This disparity, according to Pezeshkian, undermines the credibility of international mechanisms and fuels Iranian resentment toward the existing geopolitical order.

Criticizing International Response to Gaza

Shifting focus to the broader Middle East conflict, Pezeshkian described Gaza as a symbol of the failure of international mechanisms to prevent civilian suffering. He criticized the global community for its perceived inaction in the face of ongoing violence, arguing that current diplomatic frameworks are insufficient to protect civilians in conflict zones. The speech served as a broader indictment of the United Nations' capacity to enforce peace and human rights standards.

By linking the situation in Gaza to Iran's own diplomatic struggles, Pezeshkian sought to frame the conflict as a systemic failure of global governance. He called for greater international action to halt the violence, positioning Iran as a vocal advocate for civilian protection despite its own geopolitical isolation. This rhetoric aims to align Iran with the broader narrative of resistance against perceived Western hegemony.