Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian calls Iran a ‘victim of terrorism’ in wartime U.N. address

What This is

• Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian delivered a rare wartime address to the U.N. General Assembly in New York.
• Pezeshkian said Iran has been a “victim of terrorism,” rejected being labeled terrorists, and accused the United States and Israel of attacking Iran and civilians.
• He tried to reinforce his claims by displaying photos of casualties and figures he said were killed in strikes, including children.
• Pezeshkian criticized U.S. pressure and sanctions, saying more “bullying” would produce more resistance, while also saying Iran is willing to negotiate but not under threats.
• His address followed Trump’s warning that the United States could “annihilate” Iran, even as Trump said an agreement remained possible.
• Qatar facilitated contacts between U.S. and Iranian officials on the sidelines of the U.N. meetings.
• A major focus of the talks has been the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran floating conditions for reopening the waterway and the U.S. urging free passage.

Why This Matters

• The speeches show how both governments use wartime narratives to shape international opinion and exert diplomatic pressure.
• Navigation through the Strait of Hormuz matters because it is a key route for global oil shipments, and disruptions can quickly drive up energy prices.
• Competing claims about self-defense and civilian harm shape how other countries judge the war’s legitimacy.
• Qatar’s role underscores the importance of intermediaries in maintaining communication between wartime adversaries.