Pezeshkian Hopes UNGA Can Restore Trust, Help End Wars
TEHRAN, IRAN — WEB DESK: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has expressed hope that this year’s United Nations General Assembly will help rebuild international trust and contribute to efforts to end ongoing conflicts, as he departed for New York amid heightened diplomatic activity surrounding the US-Iran war.
Speaking to journalists before leaving Tehran, Pezeshkian said the General Assembly offered an opportunity for countries to strengthen mutual confidence and seek ways to halt war and bloodshed. His remarks came as world leaders gathered in New York for the 81st session of the UN General Assembly.
Pezeshkian said the Iranian delegation would use the gathering to present Tehran’s position on the conflict and raise what Iran describes as harm inflicted on its people during military operations. He said Iran intended to bring its grievances and positions before the international community.
The Iranian president specifically referred to incidents in Minab and Lamerd, including attacks involving a school and a sports facility. The Express report cites a recent UN fact-finding report as finding evidence relevant to possible war crimes in connection with February US attacks at those locations. Such findings are investigative conclusions rather than final judicial determinations.
Pezeshkian also struck a more assertive note ahead of his departure, saying Iran would “firmly defend” its positions at international forums. Iranian state media reported that he intends to explain Tehran’s view of regional developments and communicate Iran’s position directly to the international community.
His visit comes at a potentially significant diplomatic moment. A senior Iranian official told Reuters that Tehran is prepared to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within a week if the United States reduces military pressure and lifts its blockade on Iranian ports. The official said Iran’s delegation in New York had authority to pursue diplomatic negotiations.
The same Reuters reporting said Pezeshkian was attending the General Assembly but did not plan to meet US President Donald Trump. That distinction is important amid speculation about whether the UN gathering could produce direct engagement between Washington and Tehran.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is also in New York, where Tehran is expected to hold meetings with foreign officials as part of broader diplomatic efforts. The UN gathering is taking place against the backdrop of continuing conflict, disruption to international energy routes and efforts by several governments to facilitate de-escalation.
Pezeshkian is expected to address the General Assembly on Wednesday, where he is likely to present Iran’s account of the conflict and its diplomatic priorities.
The UN meetings themselves do not guarantee negotiations or a ceasefire. However, Iran’s public statements and the Hormuz proposal indicate that Tehran is using the General Assembly as a venue to present its conditions and explore possible diplomatic steps.
