The Daily PulseWorld
Iran President Defends Country at UN Following US Threats
Reported by Shreya Kapoor (Senior Writer) · Indian Express - World ·
Confirmed by a second source: BBC News - World
Representative image · Wikimedia CommonsIranian President Masoud Pezeshkian delivered a sharp address at the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday, stating that his nation would not surrender to the United States while keeping the door open for talks.
UN Address
Pezeshkian spoke just a day after US President Donald Trump warned he could destroy the Islamic Republic if a peace deal is not reached. During his speech, the Iranian leader displayed pictures of late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and more than 150 Iranian schoolchildren who died in the opening days of the ongoing conflict. He stated that Iran has only acted in self-defense against attacks by the United States and Israel, rejecting labels of terrorism. While addressing Trump directly, the Iranian president emphasized that his country is willing to engage in dialogue and diplomatic negotiations as long as coercion is kept off the table. The US delegation chose to walk out of the hall as Pezeshkian began his remarks. He also brought up the Strait of Hormuz, noting that Iran should not be blocked from using the key waterway while others benefit from it, and warned that keeping hostile naval fleets stationed there will not bring peace.
Diplomatic Contacts
The fiery UN speeches occurred alongside behind-the-scenes diplomatic contacts. Trump mentioned that his representatives, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, held a three-hour meeting with Iranian officials on the sidelines of the gathering, calling the discussion positive even though the Iranian participants were not top-tier officials. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei acknowledged the talks took place through Qatari mediation but noted that Tehran's core stance remains unchanged. According to reports, Iran continues to demand a halt to the war, an end to military strikes and the naval blockade, and the unfreezing of Iranian financial assets.
ExplainerWhy this matters
What Happened
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and US President Donald Trump exchanged sharp warnings at the United Nations General Assembly, with Trump threatening military destruction and Pezeshkian rejecting surrender while signaling a willingness for talks. At the same time, lower-level representatives from both nations held secret, three-hour talks mediated by Qatar.
Why It Matters
This confrontation highlights the deep military and economic standoff between Washington and Tehran, which heavily impacts global energy markets. The Strait of Hormuz, mentioned by Pezeshkian, normally handles a massive share of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas, meaning any ongoing conflict or naval blockade in the area directly threatens international fuel supplies and shipping costs.
What Happens Next
It remains uncertain whether the back-channel diplomatic meetings mediated by Qatar will lead to formal negotiations or if the conflict will escalate further. Observers will be watching to see if Iran's demands—including an end to military action and the release of frozen assets—gain any traction with Washington.
