Full Breakdown
Iran’s President Pezeshkian Delivers Defiant UN Speech Amid Ongoing War with the United States
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Defiant Address at the United Nations General Assembly
On a Wednesday in the United Nations General Assembly, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian delivered a wartime speech accusing the United States of terrorism and presenting photographs of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and civilian victims of recent strikes. He asserted that Iran “has only defended itself” and rejected the label of terrorist. The address came a day after President Donald Trump warned that he could “annihilate” Iran if a peace deal was not reached.
Background & Context
The conflict escalated after a joint U.S.–Israeli strike that killed Khamenei and targeted Iranian facilities. Iran responded with missile and drone attacks on Israel and Gulf states, and by closing the Strait of Hormuz, a key conduit for global oil and gas. The United States imposed a naval blockade of Iranian ports in April. A preliminary cease-fire agreement in June collapsed when Iranian attacks on shipping resumed and the U.S. reinstated the blockade. Negotiations have continued indirectly through Qatari mediators, but no durable settlement has emerged.
Data & Statistics
- Iranian authorities report more than 175 civilians killed in missile strikes on a primary school in Minab and a sports complex in Lamerd, with approximately two-thirds of the victims being children.
- Other reports cite more than 150 schoolchildren killed (France 24, AP).
- A U.S.-linked source later stated at least 168 people died in the school attack, “the vast majority” children.
These differing figures illustrate the uncertainty surrounding civilian casualty counts.
Official Statements & Responses
- Masoud Pezeshkian: Emphasized Iran’s right to self-defence, condemned U.S. actions.
- Marco Rubio, U.S. Senator: Criticized Iran’s victim narrative.
- Esmail Baghaei, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson: Demanded an end to the U.S. blockade and the release of frozen Iranian assets, calling the indirect talks “not anything new.”
Criticism & Opposition
U.S. officials criticized Iran’s portrayal of itself as a victim.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Civilian death tolls vary between more than 175, more than 150, and at least 168. No source provides an independently verified count.
- The United States has denied striking Lamerd and said it is still investigating the Minab incident, leaving responsibility unresolved.
- Details of the indirect talks, including the substantive content of the three-hour meeting between U.S. envoys and Iranian officials, remain undisclosed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We have only defended ourselves. We are not terrorists,” — Masoud Pezeshkian
- “It was a very good meeting,” — Donald Trump
- “Ladies and gentlemen, you all bore witness that this past June, my country was subjected to a savage aggression and flagrant contravention of the most elementary principles of international law,” — Masoud Pezeshkian
- “Our innocent people have been the targets of cowardly attacks and aggressions imposed on our country. And we defended ourselves with utmost strength,” — Masoud Pezeshkian
- “Iran must be understood by Mr. Trump and those who seek to bully us that we are ready for dialogue, diplomacy and negotiations without accepting the language of force,” — Masoud Pezeshkian
What’s Next
Indirect negotiations mediated by Qatar continue, with U.S. officials indicating openness to further dialogue but cautioning that any agreement will require time. Both sides maintain military postures, and the Strait of Hormuz remains a focal point of strategic tension as commercial shipping stays below pre-war levels.
