Photos of the Dead, a Message for Trump: Inside Iran's Defiant UN Speech

The Outsider's take

NEW YORK, Sept. 23, 2026

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian delivered a rare wartime address to the UN General Assembly on Wednesday, fiercely accusing Washington of terrorism against his nation while emphasising Tehran's openness to dialogue. His powerful speech came just a day after President Donald Trump declared he could "annihilate" Iran.

This marked Pezeshkian's first appearance before the international community since the US and Israel launched their conflict with Iran in late February. He displayed large photographs of the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and over 150 Iranian schoolchildren—victims in the war's early days—highlighting the human toll.

A key focus was the Strait of Hormuz. Pezeshkian warned that Iran would not tolerate any nation's attempt to use the waterway for aggression or to threaten its security, especially while Iran is barred from its own waters. Since the outbreak of war, traffic through the strait—which carries about 20% of global crude oil—has plummeted. Despite this, he emphasised Iran's desire to cooperate peacefully with its neighbours on regional security.

In a pointed closing, Pezeshkian addressed Trump directly, affirming Iran's readiness for dialogue and diplomacy but making clear that Tehran won't accept threats or force.

However, not all of his claims held up under scrutiny. The Associated Press challenged his assertion that Iran had not targeted civilian populations, citing instances where mariners and migrant workers in the region were among those killed in Iranian attacks.

NB: important to notice the USA delegate leaving the room during the speech.