UNGA: ‘We’ll firmly defend Iran’s positions’ — Pezeshkian

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is set to use the United Nations General Assembly in New York to present Tehran’s position amid the ongoing conflict between Iran and the United States.

Mr Pezeshkian’s appearance comes at a time of heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran, with intermittent talks continuing alongside military confrontations. The United States had agreed to allow Mr Pezeshkian and other senior Iranian officials to attend the UN gathering despite the ongoing conflict.

Mr Pezeshkian is making a high-profile appearance at the UN General Assembly as Iran seeks to explain its position to the international community.

The Iranian delegation’s attendance was made possible after the Trump administration agreed to grant visas to a core group of Iranian officials, including the president and Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi. The US said the decision was consistent with its obligations as host country of the United Nations.

Iran to defend its position

Mr Pezeshkian is expected to use his address to defend Iran’s actions and positions in the conflict while criticising US policies towards Tehran.

The appearance provides the Iranian government with a major international platform to communicate directly with world leaders and audiences at a time when diplomatic efforts to end the conflict remain uncertain.

The UN gathering is also taking place against the backdrop of restrictions placed on the Iranian delegation while in the United States.

Conflict continues alongside diplomatic efforts

The US and Iran have remained involved in intermittent negotiations aimed at ending the conflict, which began after US and Israeli attacks on Iran on 28 February.

Iran responded with strikes on Israel and Gulf states hosting US military bases. The two sides have also continued to exchange threats and military attacks despite attempts to establish an interim agreement.

Mr Pezeshkian has previously said that Tehran remains open to a negotiated solution and that war serves no one’s interests.

In September, he said Iran would reciprocate if Washington returned to its commitments under an interim agreement reached in June.

UN appearance comes at critical moment

The Iranian president’s appearance places the United Nations at the centre of another diplomatic effort to address the conflict.

For countries watching the confrontation, Mr Pezeshkian’s address could provide further insight into Tehran’s demands and its position on negotiations, military action and relations with Washington.

The UN General Assembly therefore offers Iran an opportunity to make its case directly to the international community while diplomatic efforts continue alongside the conflict.