‘We did not bend the knee’: Pezeshkian tells UN Iran and Gaza committed to ‘resistance’

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian delivered a stern warning to the United States at the United Nations, asserting that Iran will not submit to pressure from Washington. In his first address to the global body since a war with Iran began, Pezeshkian vehemently rejected accusations of the U.S. launching an all-out conflict against his nation. He accused Washington of terrorism following the killing of Iran's former Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, at the onset of the war.

Pezeshkian displayed a photograph of Khamenei, insisting that Iran has never been the aggressor. His remarks followed U.S. President Donald Trump's claim that he was considering options to "annihilate" Iran. However, Trump also expressed openness to renewed talks between U.S. and Iranian negotiators to resolve the conflict.

Pezeshkian emphasized that the resistance of Iran's people would only grow stronger in the face of sanctions, heightened pressure, and aggressive tactics. He reaffirmed Iran's unwavering stance, declaring that they will not bow their heads or bend at the knee.

The Iranian leader also addressed the ongoing blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global shipping route that has been intermittently closed since the war commenced. This disruption has led to a significant surge in worldwide energy prices. Pezeshkian firmly stated that Iran would not permit the waterway to be exploited against them while others continue to profit from it.

This issue could pose challenges for Trump's Republican Party as they seek to maintain control of Congress ahead of the U.S. midterm elections in November, especially given the political implications of rising fuel costs.

Pezeshkian's visit to the UN General Assembly was initially uncertain due to the U.S. not confirming whether he would receive a visa. Eventually, Washington granted his visa but denied entry permits to some of his delegation.