Pezeshkian vows defiance at UN, exchanges barbs with Israel over Golan Heights

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian told the UN General Assembly on Wednesday that Tehran will never surrender to US pressure, accusing Washington of "terrorism" and President Donald Trump of a "bullying mentality" after Trump threatened to "obliterate" Iran. Pezeshkian focused on the US naval blockade of Iranian ports and the Strait of Hormuz, through which five percent of global oil and LNG shipments passed before the war. He stated Iran will not bow to pressure and that resistance will escalate against sanctions, while reiterating Iran does not seek nuclear weapons. US envoy Steve Witkoff held talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who demanded lifting the naval blockade, releasing frozen assets, and ending the war. Meanwhile, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa declared the Golan Heights remains Syrian territory, drawing a response from Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz that it will remain under Israeli sovereignty "forever."