Pezeshkian: The UN General Assembly is a valuable opportunity to express our positions

On Tuesday morning, September 23, 2025, before leaving for New York to participate in and deliver a speech at the 80th UN General Assembly, President Masoud Pezeshkian highlighted the goals and opportunities of this trip, emphasizing the importance of the global gathering.

He stated: “The General Assembly is a valuable opportunity where the leaders of all nations present their views and positions. Within this framework, based on our beliefs and principles, we will clearly express the views and perspectives of the Iranian people.”

Referring to this year’s central theme of the General Assembly, “Convergence and Progress for All,” Pezeshkian stressed: “Although such a slogan represents a shared human aspiration, in practice we witness unilateralism, absolutism, and the unjust exploitation of power by certain states against other nations. These approaches, unfortunately, come at the cost of innocent lives. Does raising such slogans in the name of convergence mean killing everyone so that only their will prevails? Or does it mean that every individual, regardless of ethnicity, race, or belief, has the right to live on this earth, to enjoy God’s blessings, and to respect the rights of others without infringement?”

Expressing deep concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza, the President said: “It is heartbreaking that children in this land die from hunger and lack of medicine while the bombings continue, and the powers claiming civilization, democracy, and human rights openly support the occupying Zionist regime. This stark contradiction between claims and actions poses a serious question to the human conscience and international institutions.”

Pezeshkian underlined: “Our stance is clear; we uphold the principles of peace, security, justice, truth, and humanity. During this trip, we will strive to articulate these positions explicitly at the General Assembly. On the sidelines of the summit, if circumstances permit, we will also meet with world leaders, experts, the Iranian diaspora, and other groups.”

Emphasizing the need for dialogue and understanding among nations, he added: “If all walk the path of truth, justice, honesty, and integrity, there will be no room for conflict. Disputes only escalate when some nations insist on coercion, domination, and destruction.”

Concluding, the President stated: “The UN General Assembly provides an exceptional opportunity to clearly present the positions of the Iranian people and to emphasize principles of convergence rooted in justice, respect for territorial integrity, and the right to life and security for all human beings. We believe that security and peace must be guaranteed for all nations, not claimed solely as the right of the Zionist regime. God willing, at this Assembly we will succeed in conveying our truths and beliefs to the world in a strong and clear voice.”