“In the recent conflict, we witnessed inaction from certain countries, but we did not see impartiality,” the president said in a meeting with the President of the European Council Antonio Costa, held on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York on Wednesday.
European actions regarding the snapback mechanism and the JCPOA, as well as their tendency to operate under the shadow of hostile policies, have caused them to lose their ability to influence international developments, the president stated.
Referring to remarks by the NATO secretary general regarding European support for the US during the aggression on Iran, Pezeshkian emphasized, “We expect European countries to reconsider their conduct and uphold their independence.”
The president identified ensuring regional security as the responsibility of the region’s own nations, adding, “Intervention by Western governments has compromised not only regional security but global security as well. Anyone seeking the root cause of recent events should examine the behavior of Western governments.”
During the meeting, Costa expressed a desire for Europe to play a role in regional affairs, to which Pezeshkian replied, “By aligning themselves with the United States, the Europeans have deprived themselves of the opportunity to play such a role.”
Earlier on Wednesday, the Iranian president addressed the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Pezeshkian responded to accusations made against Iran by US President Donald Trump and outlined Tehran's positions on defense, nuclear energy, regional security, Palestine, international law and negotiations.
He said Iran had faced attacks in which its Leader, civilians and critical infrastructure were targeted. He said schools, sports facilities, hospitals, universities, bridges and other infrastructure had come under attack.
Referring to an attack on a sports hall in Lamerd, he said children and teenagers had been present there and that innocent people were killed. He said the attacks had involved US and Israeli weapons and argued that those responsible for terrorism were accusing Iran of being a terrorist state.
“We are not terrorists; we are victims of terrorism,” Pezeshkian said, stressing that Iran's military actions were carried out in self-defense.
He said the United States and the Israeli regime had attacked Iran with advanced weapons and technology, while Iran had defended itself without targeting civilians. He also cited the assassination of former Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran shortly after the president assumed office, saying such actions were contrary to international law.
Pezeshkian said the experience of recent attacks had reinforced Iran's view that a country unable to defend itself would remain vulnerable.
He said Iran needs military power for defense, not aggression, adding that its capabilities are intended to protect the country's survival and development. He said Iran had not attacked another country for 200 years, describing its military strategy as one based on defense and deterrence.