NEW YORK: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran was defending itself against what he described as U.S. and Israeli aggression, arguing that Tehran did not need anyone’s permission to protect its territory.
Addressing the 81st United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday, Pezeshkian accused the United States and Israel of carrying out attacks that he said had killed civilians and damaged schools, medical facilities and other infrastructure. He said Iran had responded in self-defence and rejected accusations that it was pursuing aggression.
Pezeshkian also reiterated Iran’s position that its nuclear programme is intended for peaceful purposes. He said Tehran sought nuclear technology and energy for development, not nuclear weapons, and declared that Iran would not abandon its peaceful nuclear programme under external pressure.
On the Strait of Hormuz, Pezeshkian warned that Iran would not allow its waterways to be used to facilitate attacks against the country. He said Iran wanted strong relations with neighbouring states but would respond to threats to its security.
The Iranian president said Tehran remained committed to diplomacy and negotiations but would not accept what he characterized as pressure backed by military force. He also rejected U.S. accusations that Iran was a terrorist state, arguing that Iran itself had been subjected to attacks.
Pezeshkian’s remarks came amid continuing tensions between Tehran and Washington and renewed international debate over Iran’s nuclear programme, regional security and the status of the Strait of Hormuz.
