Iran's president tells UN Iran will never 'bend the knee' to US pressure

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian told the UN General Assembly that Iran will never "bend the knee" after nearly seven months of war with the US and Israel, while expressing readiness for a diplomatic solution. Responding to President Donald Trump's threat to "annihilate" Iran without a deal, Pezeshkian said resistance would increase under sanctions and pressure, and insisted any agreement must end the US blockade of Iranian ships and ports. The Strait of Hormuz, carrying a fifth of global oil and gas, has been effectively closed since late February due to Iranian attacks and the US blockade. A preliminary June deal collapsed after attacks resumed, though indirect talks resumed Tuesday in New York.