• Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian defends his country at the UN, rejecting US labeling of Iran as a terrorist state.
• Pezeshkian emphasizes that Iran is open to diplomacy while condemning US threats of annihilation.
• The address included accusations of US war crimes, particularly regarding the bombing of civilians in Iran.
• Pezeshkian upholds Iran's right to a peaceful nuclear program amidst ongoing tensions.
• The remarks led to the US delegation walking out during the speech.

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian delivered a defiant speech at the United Nations General Assembly, responding directly to remarks made by US President Donald Trump, who threatened to "annihilate" Iran. Pezeshkian asserted that while the US labels Iran as a terrorist state, they are in fact "victims of terrorism," highlighting the impacts of US aggression on Iranian civilians, particularly children, during the ongoing conflict. He held up images of casualties from a US airstrike on a school in Minab as evidence of American assaults, noting that at least 175 children were killed in this incident according to Iranian officials. The Pentagon has yet to publicly release findings regarding the strike, further complicating the narrative around such events, according to India Times, South China Morning Post, Los Angeles Times, Middle East Eye, Al Jazeera, NPR, and Reuters.

Pezeshkian condemned Trump’s stance as indicative of a "bullying mentality," warning that such threats would only strengthen Iranian resolve rather than compel submission. He remarked, "The Iranian people will not bow to pressure," signifying Iran's stance against the US’s aggressive policies. His speech was marked by a clear willingness to pursue diplomacy, stating that "Iran extends its hands towards the world" while firmly rejecting any approach rooted in force, as echoed by multiple sources India Times, South China Morning Post, Los Angeles Times, Middle East Eye, Al Jazeera, NPR, and Reuters.

Throughout his remarks, Pezeshkian reiterated Iran's commitment to pursuing a peaceful nuclear program, stating, "Neither nuclear weapons nor giving up nuclear knowledge," and emphasizing that Iran's rights must not be undermined. His assertions came against the backdrop of ongoing tensions in the critical Strait of Hormuz, where he reaffirmed that Iran would not allow US presence to escalate insecurity in the region. The remarks regarding the Strait highlighted Iran's desire for unrestricted access to the waterway, while simultaneously opposing the US naval blockade, aligning with statements from India Times, South China Morning Post, Los Angeles Times, Middle East Eye, Al Jazeera, NPR, and Reuters.

The address culminated with the US delegation walking out as Pezeshkian intensified his criticism, indicating a breakdown in diplomatic engagement and highlighting the disconnect between Tehran and Washington as the conflict continues to evolve. His speech underscored the polarizing views surrounding the Iranian regime's actions, reaffirming the need for international dialogue without yielding to coercive tactics, referencing statements from India Times, South China Morning Post, Los Angeles Times, Middle East Eye, Al Jazeera, NPR, and Reuters.