Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has vowed to firmly defend his country’s positions as he travels to New York for the 81st United Nations General Assembly.
Pezeshkian made the statement on Tuesday before departing Iran for the UN meeting, where he is scheduled to address world leaders on Wednesday.
The Iranian president said the visit would provide an opportunity to present Iran’s position to the international community amid the ongoing conflict with the United States and its allies.
Pezeshkian: Iran Will Defend Its Position
Speaking before his departure, Pezeshkian said Iran had emerged from the conflict with what he described as its “head held high.”
He said his government would use the UN platform to explain Iran’s position and present what it considers the difficulties facing the Iranian people.
“We will firmly defend our positions in international forums,” Pezeshkian said, according to footage broadcast by Iranian state television.
He added that Iran would tell its adversaries that the Iranian people had remained determined despite what he described as unfair treatment and injustice.
Iran Takes Its Case to the UN
Pezeshkian’s appearance at the General Assembly comes amid heightened tensions between Tehran and Washington.
The United States has approved visas for the Iranian president, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and other members of Iran’s core delegation to attend the UN meetings.
However, Washington has imposed restrictions on the movement of Iranian officials while they are in New York.
Pezeshkian’s communications team was reportedly not authorised to travel with him.
Iranian officials have criticised the restrictions and described them as hostile.
Strait of Hormuz Remains Key Issue
The Strait of Hormuz remains a major issue in the confrontation between Iran and the United States.
Iran has indicated that it could reopen the strategically important waterway within a week if Washington reduces military pressure and lifts its blockade of Iranian ports, according to Reuters.
The development has added another major diplomatic and economic dimension to the conflict because the waterway is an important route for global energy shipments.
Diplomatic Efforts Continue
The UN General Assembly is taking place as diplomatic contacts between Iran and the United States continue through intermediaries.
Reuters reported that Iran had submitted a proposal through mediators and that its delegation in New York had authority to pursue diplomatic discussions.
Pezeshkian’s planned address therefore comes at a time when the UN platform is being used by both sides to present their positions on the conflict.
