Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has delivered a defiant message to US President Donald Trump, declaring that Iran will not surrender to American pressure.
Pezeshkian made the remarks on Wednesday during his address to the United Nations General Assembly in New York, a day after Trump warned that the US could take further military action against Iran if a deal to end the conflict was not reached. (AP News)
The Iranian president accused the United States of attacking his country and rejected the description of Iran as a terrorist state. He also held up photographs of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Iranian civilians killed during the conflict.
Pezeshkian said increased sanctions, pressure and threats would not force the Iranian people to surrender.
He also addressed the ongoing dispute over the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically important waterway for global energy shipments. He argued that Iran should not be denied access to the route while other countries continue to use it for their own interests. (The News Pakistan)
Despite his strongly worded remarks, Pezeshkian also indicated that Iran remains open to diplomacy. He said Tehran was willing to engage with the international community, while maintaining that any negotiations must respect Iran’s interests and sovereignty. (Al Jazeera)
His speech came as US and Iranian representatives have resumed indirect contacts through mediators. Trump said US and Iranian officials held talks on Tuesday, describing the meeting as positive, although details of the discussions remain limited. (AP News)
The conflict and tensions around the Strait of Hormuz have also had wider economic consequences, particularly for global energy markets.
Pezeshkian’s address added to the diplomatic confrontation between Washington and Tehran, while leaving open the possibility of further negotiations to end the conflict.
Source: AFP.
