Understand
Iran's president tells Trump at the UN that Tehran will never 'bend the knee'
Overview
During an address to the UN General Assembly, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that Iran will never "bend the knee" in the ongoing conflict with the US and Israel, while affirming readiness for diplomacy. His remarks responded to US President Donald Trump's threat to annihilate the Islamic Republic if a deal is not reached. Pezeshkian demanded an end to the US blockade on Iranian shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and maintained that Iran has the right to a peaceful nuclear programme without developing nuclear weapons.
Key points
- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian told the UN General Assembly that Iran will never "bend the knee" or bow to pressure from the US.
- Pezeshkian responded to US President Donald Trump's threat to "annihilate" the Islamic Republic if a deal is not reached soon.
- Any potential agreement must include an end to the US blockade preventing Iranian ships from using the Strait of Hormuz, according to Pezeshkian.
- Pezeshkian stated that Iran remains ready for dialogue and diplomacy while rejecting the language of force.
- Iran maintains that it will not seek nuclear weapons, but insists on retaining a civilian nuclear programme without limitations on peaceful technology.
- US and Iranian representatives held indirect talks brokered by Qatari mediators on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.