Iranian President Pezeshkian Denounces US and Israel at UN General Assembly

At the 81st UN General Assembly on September 23, 2026, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian delivered a speech condemning the United States and Israel as aggressors and terrorists following nearly seven months of war. Displaying photos of slain children and late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Pezeshkian accused Israel of maintaining nuclear weapons without international inspection while Iran faces sanctions. He reaffirmed Iran's commitment to peaceful nuclear technology, rejected Western force, and signaled openness to diplomatic dialogue despite domestic criticism from Iranian hard-liners. The speech prompted a walkout by the American delegation.

// Background

The conflict between Iran, the United States, and Israel began on February 28, 2026, marked by initial strikes that killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and damaged Iranian infrastructure. The war has lasted nearly seven months, resulting in shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and ongoing diplomatic tensions at the UN General Assembly.

// Key Developments

• President Pezeshkian presented photos of children killed in US airstrikes and late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei during his UN address.
• Pezeshkian criticized global double standards over Israel's uninspected nuclear program versus IAEA inspections and sanctions on Iran.
• The US delegation walked out of the General Assembly as Pezeshkian accused the US and Israel of being the real sources of terrorism.
• Iran maintained its stance against developing nuclear weapons while asserting its right to unconstrained peaceful nuclear technology.
• Indirect sideline talks occurred in New York between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.