At the United Nations General Assembly, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian used his much-anticipated Iran UN Speech to accuse the United States and Israel of undermining global peace. He said recent attacks dealt a “grievous blow” to negotiations, just as Tehran braces for the reinstatement of U.N. sanctions. Hours before his remarks, Iran’s rial currency hit an all-time low, underscoring the country’s economic crisis.
Iran UN Speech targets US and Israel
In his address, Pezeshkian condemned what he called “savage aggression” by the US and Israel during the 12-day war in June. The conflict killed top Iranian leaders, destroyed nuclear facilities, and stalled indirect talks with Washington.
“Ladies and gentlemen, my country faced flagrant violations of international law,” he said. “These actions shattered the foundation of ongoing peace efforts.”
The Iran UN Speech also came as Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei rejected direct nuclear talks with Washington. He argued that the US already dictated terms, demanding Iran halt enrichment and nuclear activity. “That is not negotiation, it is imposition,” Khamenei declared.
Looming deadline for sanctions
Pezeshkian’s warning came days before the snapback mechanism deadline. France, Germany, and the UK triggered the procedure to reinstate sanctions, citing Iran’s violations of the 2015 nuclear deal. Unless a last-minute deal is reached, sanctions will automatically return Sunday.
These measures would freeze Iranian assets abroad, restrict arms deals, and penalize Iran’s missile program. European diplomats confirmed that talks in New York failed to produce breakthroughs. Without new concessions, the sanctions process will continue.
Nuclear talks at risk
Earlier this month, Iran signed an agreement with the U.N. nuclear watchdog to resume inspections. However, implementation has stalled. The June conflict further strained cooperation, after Israel and the US targeted Iranian nuclear facilities.
Tehran insists its program is peaceful, though Western powers maintain concerns about enriched uranium stockpiles. Iran is currently enriching uranium at 60% purity—just below weapons-grade. In his UN Speech, Pezeshkian defended Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear science, warning that “science will not be demolished by threats and bombing.”
Iran’s economy under pressure
The impact of sanctions and war has left Iran’s economy reeling. On Wednesday, the rial dropped to 1,074,000 per dollar, its lowest in history. For comparison, when the 2015 nuclear deal was signed, the currency stood at 32,000 per dollar.
Inflation, corruption, and years of mismanagement have fueled unrest. Past protests, such as the 2019 gasoline price hike demonstrations, turned violent, highlighting growing discontent. In his Iran UN Speech, Pezeshkian argued that sanctions punish ordinary citizens while failing to bring political stability.
Blame for Europe too
The president criticized the European trio—France, Germany, and the UK—for acting in “bad faith.” He said they demanded Iranian compliance while failing to honor their own commitments after the US quit the nuclear deal in 2018.
“They portrayed Iran as untrustworthy while ignoring their own failures,” Pezeshkian told world leaders.
What comes next?
Unless diplomacy resumes quickly, sanctions will return Sunday. That outcome risks further economic decline and instability inside Iran. Meanwhile, global powers remain divided on whether to push for renewed negotiations or adopt a tougher stance.
By choosing to make his Iran UN Speech a sharp rebuke of both the US and Europe, Pezeshkian signaled Tehran’s defiance ahead of a critical deadline. For now, Iran’s fate may hinge on whether world powers can bridge mistrust and revive talks before sanctions hit once again.
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