NEW YORK: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said the United States had labeled Iran a terrorist state even though, in his words, Iran had itself been a target of terrorism.
Addressing the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Pezeshkian said Iran was using its right to defend itself against aggression.
During his speech, the Iranian president displayed photographs of Ayatollah Khamenei and schoolchildren killed in attacks.
The US delegation walked out of the UN General Assembly hall while Pezeshkian was speaking.
Pezeshkian Accuses US and Israel of Attacks
Pezeshkian said recent attacks had failed to respect international law. He claimed that hundreds of people had been killed and thousands of civilians displaced.
“We are not terrorists,” Pezeshkian said. He added that innocent civilians, including women and children, had been killed during the conflict.
The Iranian president said children in Minab had been hit by US and Israeli weapons. He also accused the United States of using cluster bombs against children in an Iranian town.
Pezeshkian further argued that those who accuse Iran of terrorism were themselves responsible for terrorism.
He said Iran had targeted US military sites rather than civilians.
Iran Calls for Action on Gaza
Pezeshkian also highlighted the situation in Palestine and Gaza.
He described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as a major challenge for the international community.
According to the Iranian president, regional cooperation is necessary to promote peace and stability in the Middle East.
He also accused the United States of restricting Iran’s access to waterways.
Pezeshkian said Iran did not need permission from any country to defend its territory.
Iranian President Defends Nuclear Program
Pezeshkian called on the international community to end what he described as a double standard toward Iran.
He said Iran had the right to use nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.
The Iranian president also questioned why Iran faced sanctions while, according to his statement, Israel possessed nuclear weapons.
Pezeshkian concluded by saying that Iran wanted broader cooperation among countries to improve regional security.
