Pezeshkian said Iran was being treated differently over its nuclear programme while Israel's alleged undeclared nuclear capabilities did not face comparable international pressure. He pointed to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) seeking access to Iran's nuclear facilities while, according to his claim, Israel faced no similar scrutiny.
The Iranian president described the situation as an example of what he called double standards in the international system. He argued that Israel possesses nuclear weapons and weapons of mass destruction while not being a member of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), whereas Iran remains subject to inspections and sanctions.
Pezeshkian also linked Iran's military and political policy to self-defence. He said that when a country is subjected to war or its sovereignty is threatened, responding to the threat is a natural course of action. He questioned the description of resistance to occupation and military attacks in the region as terrorism.
"Iran has never, ever been an aggressor, has never started a war, and has always shown her commitment to the negotiating table," Pezeshkian said. He added that Iran had historically avoided initiating wars and had sought to resolve disputes through dialogue.
However, he said that if an outside power imposed a war on Iran or threatened its sovereignty, the country would defend its territory "until our last breath". He described Iran's military actions as defensive in nature.
Pezeshkian also opposed the involvement of outside military powers in West Asian affairs. He said security-related issues in the region should be addressed collectively by the countries of the region themselves.
According to the Iranian president, West Asian countries should not become instruments of an outside power that could be used to threaten neighbouring states. He stressed the need for collective security, saying the countries of the region would either ensure their security together or all face continued instability.
The Iranian president also criticised economic sanctions imposed by the United States and its Western allies. He said such sanctions have their greatest impact on ordinary and vulnerable people and argued that public welfare was being harmed in pursuit of geopolitical pressure.
Towards the end of his speech, Pezeshkian said Iran was not seeking special privileges, nuclear weapons or concessions from the international community. Instead, he called for global cooperation based on equal rights, mutual trust and the equal application of international law.
His remarks placed Iran's nuclear programme, international inspections, sanctions and regional security at the centre of his UN address, with Pezeshkian presenting Tehran's position as one focused on sovereignty, self-defence, dialogue and what he described as equal treatment under international law.
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