Iran president vows to 'firmly defend' country's positions at UN

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has pledged to staunchly defend Iran's interests as he prepares to address the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Upon his arrival, the president declared, "We emerged with our heads held high, and this is a source of dignity and pride for all of us. Therefore, we will firmly defend our positions in international forums."

Speaking ahead of his UN appearance, Pezeshkian affirmed, "We will make the best possible use of this opportunity to convey Iran's plight to the international community. We will firmly tell our adversaries that, despite all the unfairness and injustices, the Iranian people have stood their ground."

As the highest-ranking Iranian official to set foot on American soil since the ongoing Middle East conflict, Pezeshkian will be granted a UN visit by the United States, a move that comes despite the ongoing war. However, the US State Department has imposed movement restrictions on the Iranian delegation, while the president's communications team remains barred from travel due to visa denial, a situation described by Iranian presidential spokesman Habibollah Abbassi as "hostile."

The conflict centers around the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime route responsible for carrying one-fifth of the world's hydrocarbons prior to the war. Iran has been firing upon commercial ships and demanding unrestricted passage, prompting the United States to maintain a counterblockade and intensify economic pressure on Iran.