Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian used his address to the United Nations General Assembly to voice criticism against Israel, centering on its ongoing occupation of Palestinian territories. He specifically condemned Israel’s actions, particularly the promotion of the idea of a “greater Israel.”
“After nearly two years of genocide, mass starvation, the perpetuation of apartheid within the occupied territories and aggression against its neighbours, the ludicrous and delusional scheme of a ‘greater Israel’ is being proclaimed with brazenness by the highest echelons of that regime,” Pezeshkian declared.
He further accused Israel of replacing diplomatic efforts with the use of force. “Israel and its sponsors no longer even content themselves with normalisation through political means. Rather, they impose their presence through naked force, and have styled it peace through strength,” he added.
Pezeshkian also took the opportunity to reaffirm Iran’s stance on nuclear weapons. “I hereby declare once more before this assembly that Iran has never sought and will never seek to build a nuclear bomb,” he stated.
Addressing European nations, Pezeshkian strongly criticized the UK, France, and Germany for their recent efforts to reimpose UN sanctions on Iran, citing concerns about its nuclear program. He accused them of acting in bad faith and of breaching their legal obligations under the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), adding that, “They sought to portray Iran’s lawful remedial measures taken in response to the United States’ withdrawal from the JCPOA and to Europe’s breach and other incapacity as a gross violation.”
The statements were made during the second day of the annual General Debate of the UN General Assembly, where world leaders come together to address and discuss major global issues.