Iran’s president hits out at ‘bully’ Trump in UN speech but signals willingness to talk

Key Points:

• Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian condemned the US as the true bully and terrorist in the Middle East during his UN speech, asserting Iran’s commitment to dialogue but rejecting any use of force from the US.
• Despite tensions, a surprise three-hour meeting between Iran’s foreign minister and the US special envoy was deemed constructive, marking the first such engagement since June amid ongoing negotiations.
• Pezeshkian emphasized Iran’s demand for control and inspection rights over the strategic Strait of Hormuz to prevent arms transport against Iran, linking this to Iran’s broader goal of regional security and independence.
• Iran accused the US of terrorism for assassinating its supreme leader and criticized sanctions targeting Iran while Israel faces none, insisting Iran pursues only peaceful nuclear development and regional partnership.
• The US granted Pezeshkian a visa for the UN assembly but denied entry to many entourage members, while regional tensions persist as Iran warns neighbors against cooperating with US sanctions and airspace bans affecting Iranian civilian flights.