Iran will 'never bend at the knee', Pezeshkian tells UN in defiant wartime address
Also reported by BBC World
Summary
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian spoke at the United Nations, accusing the United States of terrorism against Iran and saying his country will not surrender or give in to pressure. He called for diplomacy but rejected using force, while President Donald Trump mentioned the possibility of destroying Iran if an agreement is not made soon. Talks between lower-level U.S. and Iranian officials took place briefly but were described by Iran as routine.Key Facts
- Iran’s President Pezeshkian accused the U.S. of carrying out terrorist acts against Iran.
- He said Iran has only defended itself and denied targeting civilians, despite some civilians dying in recent attacks.
- Pezeshkian emphasized that Iran will not "bow" or "bend at the knee" despite sanctions and pressure.
- President Trump threatened to "annihilate" Iran if no deal is reached to end the ongoing war.
- Trump’s envoys held a three-hour meeting with Iranian officials but gave few details about discussions.
- Iran’s government described these talks as “nothing new” and downplayed their significance.
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Trump might meet President Pezeshkian in New York.
- The last indirect talks between the U.S. and Iran ended in June with a ceasefire that has since failed.
