Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has told the United Nations General Assembly that Tehran will not surrender in its conflict with the United States, responding to a threat from US President Donald Trump that Iran could face “annihilation” if an agreement is not reached.
Pezeshkian's remarks came during his address at the UN General Assembly in New York on Wednesday, September 23. He defended Iran's position while also expressing support for diplomacy as a route toward ending the conflict.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
Issue/Event: Iran rejects Trump's threat of “annihilation” and says it will not surrender.
Location: United Nations, New York.
Authority/Organisation: Governments of Iran and the United States.
Action Taken: Iranian and US officials held diplomatic talks alongside the UN General Assembly.
Impact: Public rhetoric remains sharply confrontational while diplomatic contacts continue.
The exchange followed Trump's address to the UN on September 22, when the US president presented Iran with what he described as a choice between reaching a deal and facing possible destruction of the Islamic Republic. Trump also reiterated Washington's opposition to Iran obtaining nuclear weapons.
Pezeshkian said Iran would not bow to pressure and argued that Tehran had resisted efforts to force it into surrender. At the same time, his remarks indicated that Iran continues to see diplomacy as a possible route toward ending the conflict.
The latest statements came alongside renewed diplomatic activity. US and Iranian officials held talks on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. Trump said US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner had met Iranian representatives and described the discussions as “very good.” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi was involved in the diplomatic contacts, according to reports.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
The statements highlight the difficult balance between military pressure and diplomacy in the US-Iran conflict. For Iran, Pezeshkian's position combines rejection of surrender with an expressed willingness to pursue diplomacy. For Washington, Trump's comments continue to place pressure on Tehran over the nuclear issue and other security demands. The situation also has wider international significance because the conflict involves the Strait of Hormuz and global energy flows.
The combination of military threats and diplomatic contacts has created a contrasting picture: Washington continues to use strong public pressure against Tehran, while officials from both sides have simultaneously explored negotiations.
The immediate outcome of the talks remains uncertain, with major disagreements continuing over Iran's nuclear programme, sanctions, maritime navigation and the wider regional conflict.
