We won't bow our head: Iran's Pezeshkian after Trump's annihilation threat at UNGA

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Wednesday that Tehran would not surrender in its war with the United States, while insisting that diplomacy remained the way forward to end the conflict. Addressing the 193-member UN General Assembly, he defended Iran's right to respond to attacks and rejected pressure to give up its legitimate rights.

His speech came a day after US President Donald Trump used his UN address to defend the war against Iran and warn that Washington could "annihilate the Islamic Republic" if no agreement was reached.

Addressing Iran's nuclear programme, Pezeshkian said Tehran would not give up what it considers its right to peaceful nuclear technology. He drew a clear distinction between civilian nuclear activities and the development of



nuclear weapons.

"We will not bow our head and give up the right that is inherently ours. We say it clearly: no nuclear weapons, and no limitations to peaceful nuclear technology." he said.

Pezeshkian also said Iran would retain the right to defend itself without seeking approval from other countries.

"Iran will not seek anyone's permission to defend itself," he added.

Pezeshkian also questioned double standard over nuclear inspections. He argued that Israel possesses nuclear and other weapons capabilities while Iran continues to face demands for international inspections.

"Atomic and nuclear bombs are in the hands of the Israeli regime, but the inspectors are requested to come to Iran," he said.