UNITED NATIONS: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian struck a defiant tone at the United Nations on Wednesday, vowing that Tehran would not surrender as the country faces an ongoing war with the United States and Israel, while leaving the door open to diplomacy.
In his first UN address since the conflict began, Pezeshkian accused Washington of “terrorism” over the killing of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and said Iran had never started a war. He warned that increased sanctions and pressure would only strengthen Iranian resistance.
Pezeshkian also rejected attempts to use the Strait of Hormuz as leverage against Iran. The strategically vital waterway has faced severe disruption during the conflict, contributing to higher energy prices. Iran has separately indicated it could reopen the strait if US military pressure and its blockade are eased.
His remarks came a day after US President Donald Trump told the General Assembly that he was considering whether to “annihilate” Iran, while also saying renewed negotiations between the two sides could lead to an agreement. US and Iranian officials held indirect talks in New York through Qatari mediation, but significant differences remain.
The UN gathering also focused on the risks posed by artificial intelligence. OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman called for caution over increasingly capable AI systems, while Anthropic chief Dario Amodei said companies should slow the release of new systems when necessary to ensure safety. Trump has opposed international regulation of AI.
The war in Ukraine was another major issue. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of recruiting fighters from 47 countries and warned that Ukraine could target Russian heating and energy infrastructure during the coming winter.
Meanwhile, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called for a woman from Latin America to become the next UN secretary-general, saying the region and women remained underrepresented in the organisation’s top post.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is due to leave office on December 31. Four women and three men are among those seeking to succeed him. – AFP
