Iran's UN Address: A Call for Just Peace and Rejection of Coercion

Speaking at the 81st UN General Assembly debate, Iranian President Pezeshkian laid out Tehran's firm stance on international disputes and regional security. His address delivered a clear message: Iran is open to dialogue, but will not bend under pressure.

Open to Talk, Closed to Threats

President Pezeshkian stated Iran's consistent openness to negotiation and cooperation through diplomatic channels. However, he firmly drew a red line. "We are ready to cooperate," he said, "but any attempt to force concessions from Iran through displays of power, unilateral sanctions, or military threats is unacceptable." For him, genuine and sustainable peace must be built on a foundation of fairness, justice, national dignity, and respect for the equal rights of all sovereign states, not the will of the powerful.

Core Principles: Sovereignty and Security

The president reiterated Iran's principled positions on several key issues:

  • National Security and Sovereignty: Safeguarding these core interests is the government's primary duty.
  • Nuclear Rights: Iran insists on its legitimate right to peaceful nuclear technology as part of its national development.
  • Defensive Capability: The president argued that maintaining a credible defensive capacity is essential to deter external threats and ensure national security. He simultaneously denied any Iranian pursuit of regional hegemony, stating, "We do not seek security through hegemony."

Criticizing "Double Standards," Advocating Equity

Pezeshkian offered sharp criticism of what he termed "double standards" employed by some nations in international affairs, particularly regarding the Iranian nuclear file and the protracted Palestinian issue. He argued that this selective application of international rules exacerbates tensions rather than resolving them. "Continued occupation, acts of aggression, and unjust arrangements only fuel the flames of regional conflict," he warned.

Dialogue Over Force, Cooperation for Security

Concluding his speech, the president reaffirmed Iran's commitment to peaceful conflict resolution. He emphasized that war and displays of military might cannot replace the fundamental roles of international law, diplomatic engagement, and political dialogue. He called on regional nations to look beyond differences and build a framework for "common security" through enhanced cooperation, positing this as the true path to long-term stability and prosperity.