Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has rejected calls for Tehran to surrender to US pressure, while saying Iran remains open to diplomacy and negotiations to end the ongoing conflict.
Addressing the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Mr Pezeshkian said Iran would not bow to sanctions, military pressure or threats from the United States.
“We will never bow our head or bend the knee,” he told the 193-member assembly.
His remarks came a day after US President Donald Trump warned that he could “annihilate” the Islamic Republic if no agreement was reached.
Mr Pezeshkian described the threat as evidence of what he called a “bullying mentality”, insisting that increased pressure would only strengthen resistance inside Iran. (Saudi Gazette)
Despite his defiant tone, the Iranian president said Tehran was prepared to pursue dialogue.
“We are ready for dialogue and diplomacy and negotiations without accepting the language of force,” he said.
The remarks come as Iranian and US officials have resumed diplomatic contacts in New York. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held discussions with US envoy Steve Witkoff, with Qatar involved in facilitating the talks. The meeting was the first such high-level contact between the two sides since June. (The Guardian)
A major point of contention remains the Strait of Hormuz, a vital international shipping route that carried a significant share of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies before the conflict.
Mr Pezeshkian said any settlement would need to address Iran’s access to the waterway and opposed the continued presence of what Tehran regards as hostile naval forces.
“It cannot be the case that everyone benefits from the Strait of Hormuz while we are denied access to shipping through this waterway,” he said. (Internazionale)
The US delegation left the General Assembly chamber as Mr Pezeshkian began his address.
The Iranian president also defended his country’s position on nuclear technology, saying Tehran would not abandon what it describes as its right to peaceful nuclear activities, while maintaining that it does not seek nuclear weapons.
With fighting continuing and diplomatic contacts underway, the two sides remain divided over the conditions for ending the conflict. Iranian officials have indicated that sanctions, the US blockade and access to the Strait of Hormuz remain central to any potential agreement. (reuters.com)
