Iranian President Addresses UN General Assembly, Criticizes US and Israel; Martyr Leader’s Portrait Raised

Shiite News: Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, addressing the United Nations General Assembly, strongly criticized the United States and Israel. He said the US president had described Iran as a terrorist state, whereas, according to Pezeshkian, Iran itself has been a victim of terrorism. He argued that those who carry out terrorism and train what he described as terrorist groups are now labeling Iran as terrorist. He also said that the United States had targeted Iran’s martyred leader, while the Iranian delegation raised a portrait of the martyred leader at the United Nations.

Pezeshkian said that Iran had not attacked any country during the past 200 years, yet continues to face accusations of terrorism. He cited the Iranian city of Lamerd as an example, saying that a sports complex there was destroyed by cluster bombs. He said Iran had developed its defensive capabilities so that no one would assume attacks on Iranian cities would go unanswered. According to Pezeshkian, Iran would not seek anyone’s permission to defend itself.

The Iranian president further said that Israel attacks countries at its own discretion and argued that the United States and Israel are, in his view, major sources of instability in the region.

Pezeshkian also criticized what he described as double standards in the international community. He said that Israel possesses nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction, while demands for inspections are directed at Iran. He argued that while Israel is responsible for what he described as mass killings, sanctions are imposed on Iran. Pezeshkian said Iran was not seeking special privileges but equal rights, adding that if justice is the goal, friends and rivals should be judged according to the same standards.

The Iranian president further said that the Iranian people had remained in the streets day and night for the past seven months and that the government was continuing its resistance with what he described as the strength of the people behind it. He said Iran’s military power was intended solely for defense. While emphasizing Iran’s support for diplomacy, he said the country would not submit to military pressure.

Pezeshkian also warned that it was unacceptable for everyone to benefit from the Strait of Hormuz while Iran remained excluded from its benefits. He concluded by stressing that sustainable peace in West Asia could not be established without peace in Palestine.