President Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran's positions expressed during his recent visit to New York reflected the country's convictions, stressing that the Islamic Republic will defend its rights and those of oppressed peoples in the region within the framework of international law and its commitments.
Speaking at a press conference after returning from the United States, President Pezeshkian thanked the Iranian people for their support and reviewed his diplomatic engagements at the 81st United Nations General Assembly.
President Pezeshkian underscored the importance of national unity, saying Iran's ability to withstand pressure depends on preserving solidarity and cohesion. He thanked the Iranian people for their support and pledged that the government would continue working to address the country's challenges and serve the nation.
The president further said Iran responded directly to remarks made by US President Donald Trump before his UN speech, adding that the statements prompted Tehran to speak more explicitly about Iran's principles, beliefs and national interests. He attributed the broad response to his UN speech to the opportunity to express his convictions without hesitation.
President Pezeshkian said he held meetings with the presidents of Switzerland and Bangladesh, the prime ministers of Norway, Lebanon, the Netherlands, Pakistan, Armenia and Qatar, the president of the European Council and the UN secretary-general. He also referred to interviews with international media, meetings with chief editors of major news outlets and discussions with US think tanks and intellectuals.
He described his meeting with Iranians expatriates in New York as a valuable and friendly gathering attended by members of the Iranian community from different parts of the United States.
President Pezeshkian said Iran used the meetings and media engagements to present its account of US and Israeli acts of aggression against Iran and the region. He questioned how attacks on infrastructure, civilians, scientists and other facilities could be reconciled with claims of defending human rights, adding that sanctions affecting people's lives should also be regarded as measures against the Iranian people.
The president said Iran distributed a booklet documenting casualties and damage resulting from the US and Israeli attacks on Iran during the New York visit, saying Tehran firmly defended the rights of the Iranian people, Palestinians and other peoples facing aggression.
On diplomacy, President Pezeshkian said Iran has no fear of dialogue and seeks negotiations to demonstrate that it is prepared to resolve disputes through diplomatic channels. He stressed that dialogue must be based on international law and clearly defined commitments.
Trust must be built within the framework of international law and specific commitments, he said, arguing that parties to any agreement must honor their obligations. Iran, he added, seeks nothing beyond rights recognized under international law.
President Pezeshkian also called on Muslim countries to strengthen cooperation and avoid divisions that can be exploited by external forces. He said unity among regional countries is essential.
Referring to Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi's diplomatic activities in New York, President Pezeshkian said the minister had held more than 30 to 40 meetings with foreign ministers and other officials and was continuing diplomatic consultations in the United States.