Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian displayed large photographs of schoolchildren killed in missile strikes at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, according to reports from AFP and BBC. During his address at the UN, Pezeshkian stated that Tehran would not bow to pressure from the United States, while accusing Washington of terrorism for the killing of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
UN General Assembly Walkout and Escalating Rhetoric
According to AFP and BBC reporting, the US delegation walked out of the assembly hall as Pezeshkian began his speech, and American officials provided no immediate response. Pezeshkian displayed a photograph of the late Khamenei, who according to the sources was killed on the first day of the conflict on February 28, and reiterated that Tehran did not start the war.
“President US menyebut kami sebagai teroris. Padahal, kamilah yang menjadi korban terorisme,” ujar Pezeshkian di Sidang Umum PBB di New York, AS, as reported by the primary source.
Photographs of Child Casualties Presented at the Podium
During the address, Pezeshkian held up images of children that Iranian authorities stated were killed by missile strikes at a primary school in Minab and a sports complex in Lamerd in February, according to BBC reporting. The US has denied attacking Lamerd and stated it is still investigating the Minab incident.
According to investigasiindonesia.com, the presentation of the large photographs created a silent atmosphere in the UN hall as the Iranian president pointed to the images of students. “Rakyat kami yang tak berdosa telah menjadi sasaran serangan pengecut dan agresi yang ditimpakan kepada negara kami. Dan kami telah membela diri dengan segenap kekuatan,” kata Pezeshkian, as cited by the BBC.
Did you know? The article mentioned that Pezeshkian’s address marked his first speech at the UN General Assembly since Washington and Tel Aviv launched a joint military campaign against Tehran.
Diplomatic Stance and Nuclear Program Position
Pezeshkian stated that Iran has survived nearly seven months of war with the US and Israel without submitting, though he noted openness to diplomatic solutions. He addressed remarks by US President Donald Trump regarding a choice between negotiation and the obliteration of Iran, labeling the threats as bullying behavior.
Despite rejecting violence, Pezeshkian maintained that Iran remains open to dialogue, provided any agreement includes ending the US blockade that restricts Iranian vessels from using maritime routes in the Gulf. He also reaffirmed Iran’s right to maintain a civilian nuclear program while denying any intention to develop nuclear weapons, contrasting with Trump’s demands for leaders in Tehran to relinquish their nuclear ambitions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the US delegation leave the UN General Assembly hall?
The US delegation walked out as Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian began his speech, though no official response was issued by American representatives at the time.
What specific photographs did President Pezeshkian display during his speech?
According to BBC and investigasiindonesia.com, Pezeshkian displayed photos of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and images of schoolchildren killed in missile strikes in Minab and Lamerd.
What is Iran’s current stance on diplomatic negotiations?
Pezeshkian stated that while Iran will not bow to military pressure or accept violence, the country remains open to dialogue and diplomatic solutions that include lifting blockades on maritime routes in the Gulf.
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