Iran's president addresses the UN General Assembly

Summary of the Iranian President’s Address to the UN General Assembly

Iran’s president delivers a strongly accusatory speech, rejecting the U.S. labeling of Iran as a “terrorist” state. He argues that Iran has instead become a victim of terrorism and aggression. He recounts alleged attacks on Iranian civilians and infrastructure, including claims that U.S.- and Israeli-used weapons killed children in Iran—described as a bombing of a school/gym in a small city—and that Iran’s Supreme Leader was assassinated “without legal basis.”

Allegations of International Law Violations

He argues that Israel and the United States violate international law through attacks targeting universities, medical centers, schools, hospitals, and infrastructure. He claims that in Gaza over 80,000 civilians were killed and that Israel is committing “genocide,” while also accusing Israel of refusing compliance with international law.

He frames these actions as evidence of “double standards,” particularly regarding nuclear issues and sanctions.

Iran’s Response and National Posture

Regarding Iran’s stance, he says Iran “defended itself” rather than attacking, emphasizing that Iran seeks security and progress rather than aggression or hegemony. He points to months of Iranian street demonstrations as evidence of national strength in the face of threats from Israel and the U.S.

He also claims Iran’s defense is structured so that bombing Iranian cities would not go unanswered. At the same time, he insists Iran does not seek permission from others to defend itself.

Focus on Iran’s Nuclear Program

A major portion of the speech centers on Iran’s nuclear program. The president argues that Iran’s “peaceful nuclear technologies” are for civilian purposes—such as medicine, agriculture, industry, and electricity. He says Iran rejects restrictions and insists that there should be no nuclear weapons and “no restrictions” on peaceful nuclear development.

He contrasts Iran’s position with Israel, asserting that Israel possesses nuclear weapons while inspectors are allowed to visit Iran—an arrangement he describes as unjust and hypocritical. He uses this contrast to argue that sanctions punish ordinary and vulnerable people rather than achieving legitimate goals.

Regional and Maritime Security

On regional and maritime security, he argues that war in the region “knows no borders,” and that crises spread beyond national boundaries. He warns about foreign threats related to access through the Strait of Hormuz, claiming some actors block Iran’s access while continuing to supply missiles and military technology that endanger the region.

Palestine and the Search for Justice

On Palestine, he argues that lasting peace is impossible without justice for Palestinians and that Gaza reflects the failure of international mechanisms. He maintains that so long as occupation and violence continue, “resistance will continue,” framing Palestinian resistance as a human response to displacement and bombardment, and disputing that defenders should be called terrorists.

Call for Regional Solutions and a New International Order

He calls for regional problems to be handled by regional countries rather than external powers. He concludes by criticizing the U.S. president’s prior comments as contradicting the spirit of the UN Charter, asserting that Iranian resistance will grow rather than diminish under sanctions and harassment.

He ends by inviting dialogue and diplomacy on Iran’s terms—rejecting the “language of force”—and calls for a new international order grounded in international law, fairness, justice, and human dignity.

Presenters / Contributors

• Iranian President (name not provided in the subtitles)