President Masoud Pezeshkian said he defended the legitimacy of the Iranian people and the Islamic Republic of Iran at the United Nations General Assembly, stressing that Iran's deep historical and civilizational roots make the country impossible to destroy.
Speaking to reporters from the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) and the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) after the first day of his visit to New York, President Pezeshkian reviewed his activities, including his speech at the UN General Assembly.
He said a speech had been prepared in advance, but after hearing the US president's address, he decided to go beyond the prepared text and describe the realities imposed by the United States on Iran and the world. He said such actions were contrary to international law and humanitarian principles and amounted to the use of force and inhumane conduct.
President Pezeshkian said similar policies were being pursued in other parts of the world, including Venezuela, Greenland and Cuba.
He also criticized US statements about destroying Iran, saying such remarks were unprecedented in their explicitness. Despite the pressures being imposed on Iran, he said, the Iranian people remain present and steadfast.
“Iran is a country rooted in history,” President Pezeshkian said, expressing appreciation for the Iranian people's presence and support. He added that he hoped officials would not disappoint the Iranian people.
Referring to his remarks at the UN General Assembly, President Pezeshkian said the United States and the Israeli regime are committing genocide, violating international law, and carrying out assassinations. He said that since his administration assumed office, Iran's Leader, numerous commanders, scientists, officials and citizens had been killed, while Iran was subsequently accused of terrorism.
He also referred to Israeli actions in Lebanon and Gaza, describing the reported violence and suffering there as deeply troubling.
President Pezeshkian said witnessing such violence should be distressing to any human conscience. He added that while some non-Iranians had expressed sympathy for victims and survivors, it was regrettable that some Iranians had aligned themselves with the perpetrators.
President Pezeshkian also highlighted his bilateral and sideline meetings with heads of state attending the UN General Assembly.
According to the president, the presence of the Iranian delegation in New York is aimed at engaging in dialogue and defending the legitimate position of the oppressed yet steadfast people of Iran, and so far, it has been effective.