UNGA: Pezeshkian Defies Trump, Says Iran Will Not Bend

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has told the UNGA that Iran will not bend to pressure from US President Donald Trump, declaring that his country will defend its sovereignty and national interests.

Pezeshkian made the remarks during his address on the second day of the UNGA, as tensions between Tehran and Washington remain high over Iran’s nuclear programme and broader regional security issues.

The Iranian president accused the United States and its allies of pursuing policies that have harmed the Iranian people, while insisting that Iran has repeatedly been the victim of terrorism.

“We have been the victims of terrorism,” Pezeshkian said, arguing that Iran should not be portrayed solely as a source of instability in the region.

He also criticised US policies towards Iran and rejected what he described as attempts to force Tehran into accepting conditions imposed from outside.

Pezeshkian’s remarks came amid renewed diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving differences between Iran and the United States. The two countries have remained at odds over Iran’s nuclear activities, sanctions and security concerns.

Separately, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said mediated discussions between Washington and Tehran had failed to produce any major breakthrough.

Rubio said the talks had provided an opportunity for both sides to communicate their positions but had not resulted in a significant agreement capable of resolving the main disputes between the countries.

The comments came as international attention remained focused on efforts to prevent further escalation between Iran and the United States.

Washington has continued to demand assurances concerning Iran’s nuclear programme, while Tehran has maintained that its nuclear activities are peaceful and that it has the right to pursue civilian nuclear development.

Pezeshkian used his UNGA address to emphasise Iran’s resistance to external pressure and to defend the country’s position on the international stage.

His speech also highlighted the broader tensions surrounding Iran’s relations with the United States and its allies.

The lack of a major breakthrough in the mediated talks leaves significant disagreements unresolved, particularly over sanctions, Iran’s nuclear programme and the conditions for any future diplomatic agreement.

Both sides have continued to signal that diplomacy remains possible, but the latest comments from Pezeshkian and Rubio underscore the distance between Washington and Tehran as international efforts to ease tensions continue.