Iran's President Pledges Diplomacy, Defiance at UN

Speaking at the UN General Assembly in New York, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian declared that Tehran favors diplomatic solutions but will not yield to military pressure. "The expansion of war will not lead to the achievement of the goal. We believe in diplomacy and will not capitulate to force," he stated. Pezeshkian asserted that Iran did not initiate conflict and is prepared to defend itself against further attacks. He accused the West of applying double standards concerning Iran and Israel, noting, "Nuclear weapons are with Israel, and inspectors are in Iran. Israel kills, and sanctions are imposed on Iran." The Iranian president also claimed that threats from Donald Trump only serve to unify Iranian society. Pezeshkian maintained that Iran itself is a victim of terrorism and blamed the U.S. for strikes that resulted in the deaths of Iranian military personnel, scientists, and civilians. Addressing Iran's nuclear program, he reiterated, "We need nuclear energy, not a nuclear bomb," emphasizing the necessity of atomic technology for peaceful purposes. Concurrently, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio affirmed Washington's commitment to ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, indicating that President Trump has various options, including military ones, regarding Iran. The U.S. has previously stated its intention to continue striking targets deemed a direct threat to American forces and shipping in the strait.