President tells Trump that Iran will never 'bend at the knee'

UNITED NATIONS — Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian criticized U.S. President Donald Trump's "bullying mentality" at the United Nations on Wednesday, stating that Iran would not surrender in the conflict with the U.S. However, Iran remains open to diplomacy to end the standoff. During his wartime address to the 193-member UN General Assembly, Pezeshkian warned that threats from the U.S. would only strengthen Iran's resolve, rejecting Trump's threat to annihilate Iran if no deal were reached.

The U.S. president's remarks, according to Pezeshkian, demonstrated a "bullying mentality." The Iranian people would not submit to pressure, he added. Referring to Trump's characterization of Iran as the world's leading sponsor of terrorism, Pezeshkian accused Iran's adversaries of being terrorists, including those who train terrorists.

Throughout his speech, Pezeshkian repeatedly emphasized Iran's willingness to negotiate tensions with the United States, but warned that Tehran would not accept force as a solution. The U.S. delegation left the hall as Pezeshkian began his remarks. The U.S. mission to the United Nations did not provide an immediate response to the reported incident.