Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has arrived in New York to attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. During his address, Pezeshkian is expected to outline Tehran's position on the ongoing conflict and alleged crimes. He will also emphasize the need for diplomacy to ease tensions between Iran and the US. Pezeshkian's arrival comes at a time when tensions between the two nations are running high.
Ahead of his departure for New York, Pezeshkian stated that Iran would forcefully present its position at international forums. He highlighted the need for global awareness of what Tehran describes as oppression in the region and stressed the importance of restoring trust in international institutions. Pezeshkian also called for an end to the war and bloodshed in the region.
US President Donald Trump, in his address to the UN General Assembly, presented a choice between reaching a deal with Iran and taking military action against the Islamic Republic. Trump warned that he could 'annihilate the Islamic Republic' if no deal is reached to end the conflict. He also stated that Iran was waiting to see how he performs in the US midterm election, but emphasized that the election would not affect his approach to Tehran.
Members of the Iranian delegation staged a walkout from the General Assembly as Trump began speaking about US military operations against Tehran. Iranian Foreign Minister Syed Abbas Araghchi highlighted the issue of trust ahead of the diplomatic engagements surrounding the General Assembly. Araghchi stated that it is natural that no trust remains in an organization that is under the influence of certain countries.
During his stay in New York, Pezeshkian is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with attending heads of state and separate interactions with educated Iranians residing in the United States, American elites, and think tanks. The UN General Assembly's high-level general debate is being held from September 22 to 26 and on September 28 at UN headquarters in New York.
Pezeshkian was given an official send-off before his departure by First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref, Deputy for International Affairs of the Supreme Leader's Office Hojjatoleslam Walmoslemin Mohsen Qomi, and members of the Iranian cabinet. The backdrop to Pezeshkian's address is a UN gathering marked by sharply contrasting positions from Washington and Tehran.
The Iranian president is expected to use the international forum to highlight Iran's grievances, call for the restoration of trust, and advocate an end to the war and bloodshed. Pezeshkian's address to the General Assembly is scheduled for the morning session on Wednesday.
Key points
- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian arrives in New York for the 81st UN General Assembly.
- US President Donald Trump threatens to 'annihilate' Iran if a peace deal is not reached.
- Pezeshkian and Trump present contrasting positions on Iran at the UN General Assembly.
