Speaking at a press conference in Tehran before departing for New York on Tuesday morning, Pezeshkian said the UN General Assembly is being held under the theme of “trust,” while international legal principles and the rights of nations and individuals are at times disregarded because of the political, military and economic power wielded by certain states.
He said the UN General Assembly provides a platform to explain both the hardships faced by the Iranian people and their strength, adding that he will hold meetings with politicians, cultural figures and media outlets to present Iran’s positions and the realities on the ground. “We will defend our positions with strength at international forums,” he said.
Pezeshkian said the Iranian people had overcome recent difficulties with pride and emphasized that Iran would continue to defend its country, people and beliefs “with dignity and strength.”
He added that conveying the realities facing Iran, the suffering of its people, crimes committed across the region and developments that have contributed to international distrust would be among the main issues raised during his meetings.
Referring to the US’ record of failing to honor commitments in negotiations and agreements, the president said Iran has repeatedly entered negotiations and signed agreements, only to see the other side violate its commitments. He stressed that a peaceful and secure world requires respect for the rights of nations and individuals and that “nations cannot be forced into submission through force.”
Addressing developments in Gaza, Palestine, Syria, Yemen, Iran and elsewhere in the region, Pezeshkian said events must be assessed based on realities on the ground and that not every action can be justified under the pretext of fighting terrorism.
He questioned the claims of those carrying out attacks on civilians and public facilities, asking, “Were our innocent students in Minab terrorists?” He also questioned whether attacks on homes, hospitals and other facilities could be justified as measures against terrorism.
He further criticized the deprivation of Gaza’s population of food and water and the targeting of women, children and the elderly, saying such actions are incompatible with claims of respect for human rights and require serious attention from the international community.
On reports of restrictions on the presence of the Iranian media delegation in New York, Pezeshkian said such measures might have been intended to limit Iran’s media presence, but added that Iran still has platforms through which it can deliver its message. He said restrictions could indicate concern among some parties that the realities of regional developments might be seen and heard more widely.
Pezeshkian also said pressure on Iran extends beyond media measures, pointing to military, economic and political pressure as well as attempts to create internal divisions. He said these efforts aim to exploit possible vulnerabilities and weaken national unity, but stressed that Iran would resist them through reliance on God, the leadership of Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei, and national unity.
The president expressed hope that his New York trip would provide an opportunity to explain Iran’s positions, present the realities of the region and convey the Iranian people’s message to global public opinion.