Iran President vows to ‘firmly defend’ country's positions at UN
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is traveling to the UN General Assembly to defend Iran's position amid ongoing tensions with the U.S. The visit occurs against the backdrop of a maritime conflict in the Strait of Hormuz.
Why it matters
It highlights the high-stakes diplomatic maneuvering between Iran and the U.S. during a period of active military and economic conflict.
Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday (September 22, 2026) vowed to "firmly defend" his country's positions, as he departed for New York to attend the U.N. General Assembly.
"We emerged with our heads held high, and this is a source of dignity and pride for all of us. Therefore, we will firmly defend our positions in international forums," he said before flying out of Iran, according to footage broadcast by state television.
The President is due to speak at the UN meeting on Wednesday.
"We will make the best possible use of this opportunity to convey Iran's plight to the international community. We will firmly tell our adversaries that, despite all the unfairness and injustices, the Iranian people have stood their ground," he said.
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