Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian hit back at US President Donald Trump during a tense UN General Assembly speech on Wednesday, rejecting accusations that Iran supports terrorism.
“The US president described us as terrorists. We have been the victims of terrorism,” Pezeshkian said, responding to Trump’s address a day earlier.
Pezeshkian accused the US and Israel of attacks that killed civilians and insisted Iran had acted only in self-defence. The US delegation walked out as he continued speaking.
He also defended Iran’s nuclear programme, saying Tehran seeks nuclear technology for peaceful purposes rather than weapons.
“We will not bow our head and give up the right that is inherently ours. We say it clearly no nuclear weapons and no limitations to peaceful nuclear technology. Our peace will not come in the field of battle. They must give the needed security to the people and nation of Iran.”
Pezeshkian also defended Iran’s position on the Strait of Hormuz, arguing Tehran could not allow others unrestricted access while facing attacks and restrictions itself.
“We cannot let some have free access and gain their interest from a waterway, while at the same time using that waterway to impose their aggressions upon us, to impose insecurity upon us, to forbid us access to our own waterways,” he said.
He ended his fiery speech, telling Trump: “He must know that the resistance of the Iranian people will only increase in the face of sanctions, increased pressure, increased bullying. We will never bow our head or bend at the knee.”
“It must be understood by Mr Trump and those who seek to bully us that we are ready for dialogue and diplomacy and negotiations – without accepting the language of force,” he added.
