Pezeshkian tells UN: Iran is 'victim of terrorism,' not its sponsor
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian told the UN General Assembly on Wednesday that Iran is a "victim of terrorism," directly rebutting President Donald Trump's Tuesday accusation that Tehran is the world's top terror sponsor. The US delegation walked out during his address. Pezeshkian cited a US-Israeli strike on an Iranian elementary school that killed at least 120 children and 26 teachers, arguing Iran only defended itself and never targeted civilians. He also vowed Tehran would not allow the Strait of Hormuz to be used for aggression against the country. The Iranian leader insisted Iran never started a war and remains committed to negotiations, but warned the nation will not "bend at the knee" to sanctions or pressure. This was Pezeshkian's first UN appearance since the US attacked the Islamic republic.