New York: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in New York on Tuesday to attend the United Nations General Assembly, vowing to firmly defend Tehran’s position on the international stage.
Speaking before departing Iran, Pezeshkian said his country had emerged from the ongoing conflict with its “head held high,” describing the situation as a source of dignity and pride for the Iranian people.
“We will firmly defend our positions in international forums,” he said, according to footage broadcast by Iranian state television.
Pezeshkian is scheduled to address the UN General Assembly on Wednesday, where he is expected to use the platform to present Iran’s position to the international community.
“We will make the best possible use of this opportunity to convey Iran’s plight to the international community,” he said.
The Iranian president also vowed to send a strong message to Tehran’s adversaries, saying that despite what he described as “unfairness and injustices,” the Iranian people had remained steadfast.
Pezeshkian’s visit makes him the highest-ranking Iranian official to travel to the United States since the Middle East war began in late February.
The visit comes at a sensitive moment, with tensions between Washington and Tehran remaining high. The United States has approved UN-related travel for part of the Iranian delegation despite the ongoing conflict.
However, according to the US State Department, members of the Iranian delegation will face restrictions on their movements while in the United States.
Pezeshkian’s appearance at the UN could provide Tehran with a rare opportunity to directly present its case before world leaders as the conflict continues to reshape regional and international politics.
