US Delegate Walks Out as Iran President Pezeshkian Says at UN: 'We Have Been the Victims of Terrorism'

Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian delivered a defiant speech at the United Nations General Assembly, rejecting claims that they are terrorists. He also brought photos to the rostrum, showing the audience photos of children he said had been killed in American and Israeli attacks on Iran.

'The US president described us as terrorists. We have been the victims of terrorism,' Pezeshkian said. 'We only seek to live independently. Are we the sources of instability? Those who are committing terrorism and committing crimes, are they the protectors of peace and stability?'

US Delegation Walks Out of Iran Speech

A US delegation was seen walking out of the General Assembly Hall at the start of Pezeshkian's speech. He delivered his speech in Persian, with translation provided by the UN. Reuters and AP confirmed that the US delegation walked out as Pezeshkian began his address.

'I come from an Iran in which our esteemed Supreme Leader was assassinated without any legal framework or reason. I come from an Iran where, in truth, they bombed a school,' Pezeshkian said.

'You see these children? These children perished under bombs, with weapons used by the United States and Israel. They were innocent, had committed no crimes. Those who are terrorists and train and protect terrorists describe us as such. We have only defended ourselves. We are not terrorists,' the Iranian president also said.

Some reported that Iranian delegates also walked out of the assembly hall when US President Donald Trump delivered an Iran-centric speech. 'Will a deal be made with Iran that lets them rebuild and create a far greater country than it ever was before?' Trump asked. 'Or do I annihilate the Islamic Republic and do it quickly, never giving them a chance to kill and destroy people and countries again? Do I drive them into hell?'

'We Did Not Bend the Knee'

During his speech, Pezeshkian lamented how the United States and Israel have double-teamed Iran. The allies launched a massive, coordinated attack against Iran on 28 February 2026, beginning the nearly seven-month conflict.

The conflict—which was briefly paused by an April ceasefire and followed by a June memorandum of understanding—has severely disrupted shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and contributed to major volatility in global crude oil prices.

'America and Israel attacked us, equipped with the latest technology and weapons systems, and our people stood steadfast. Yes, they did hit us, but we did not bend the knee. We did not bow our head. We responded, but we did not hit civilian populations,' Pezeshkian also said.

Gaza Death Toll

Iran's president also mentioned how the war in Gaza continues to displace hundreds of thousands of people while over 80,000 have been killed. As of 23 September 2026, Gaza's Health Ministry had reported 73,922 Palestinian deaths and 174,995 wounded since 7 October 2023.

'They are committing genocide by using the so-called technologies that they have at their disposal. Then they label others as terrorists. Are we the sources of instability?' Pezeshkian also said of Israel.

He ended his speech by saying he was willing to have a conversation with Trump: 'Iran must be understood by Mr. Trump and those who seek to bully us that we are ready for dialogue and diplomacy and negotiations without accepting the language of force.'