Iranian President at UN: 'We Are Victims of Terrorism'

Iranian President Pezeshkian addressed the UN General Assembly on September 23, accusing the US and Israel of launching a preemptive attack on Iran in late February that destabilized the Middle East, declaring "we are victims of terrorism." Pezeshkian stated the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran effectively controls, cannot be used to attack his country, and claimed the former supreme leader and innocent children were killed in the strikes. He denied nuclear weapons ambitions, calling peaceful atomic technology essential for development. The speech comes amid stalled negotiations with the US over ending hostilities. President Trump warned on September 22 that Iran would be "annihilated" if it fails to agree to a deal, while Iran reportedly demands lifting port blockades and frozen assets in exchange for reopening the strait.