Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian strongly denies US terrorism accusations
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian firmly dismissed US accusations of terrorism during his address to the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. Speaking to world leaders on Wednesday, he declared Tehran is actually a victim of global terrorism. Pezeshkian directly countered comments made by US President Donald Trump a day earlier, holding up photographs of students killed in a Minab school strike alongside an image of the assassinated Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Geopolitical tensions between Washington, Israel, and Tehran have intensified significantly since direct military exchanges began in February, deeply affecting stability across the Middle East.
Countering US allegations at UNGA
Pezeshkian stated Iran has not initiated an attack on any nation for two centuries. He strongly criticized labels painting his country as a source of regional instability. He reminded the assembly that Iranian citizens have suffered from assassinations and targeted strikes without legal justification. Pointing to the photos of the Minab school victims, he stressed that innocent students died from weapons supplied by the United States and Israel. He also condemned broad economic sanctions, arguing they directly target ill, impoverished, and underprivileged citizens rather than achieving diplomatic goals.
Foreign military strikes have heavily damaged critical public facilities inside Iran, according to the president. He listed universities, healthcare centers, and sports infrastructure as targets hit by foreign forces using sophisticated, multiple-warhead weapons. Pezeshkian clarified that Iran builds its military strength and pursues nuclear capabilities strictly for national defense and domestic progress. He insisted his nation does not need external approval to protect its borders or develop civilian energy resources.
Maritime restrictions and ongoing military pressure risk triggering a wider conflict, Pezeshkian cautioned. He pointed out the unfairness of allowing free access to the Strait of Hormuz for certain nations while restricting Iranian waterways. While emphasizing that Tehran does not seek a broader war, he made it clear that any attacks on Iranian territory will face a strong response. Just minutes into his fiery speech, the sole US delegate in the assembly hall picked up his briefcase and exited the meeting.
With Inputs from Agency Threads and Image Courtesy: ANI
