President Pezeshkian’s UNGA address to focus on Gaza, Lebanon and global inaction

By Alireza Akbari

President Pezeshkian said he plans to address significant regional and global issues at the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, emphasizing that he would voice the concerns of the Iranian people.

This marks the first time the newly-elected Iranian president will address the world’s largest international forum, and it comes amid heightened tensions in the region due to the Israeli-American genocidal war against Palestinians in Gaza and recent Zionist terror attacks in Lebanon.

President Pezeshkian said that if the UN fulfilled its responsibilities “properly,” there would be no bombings of homes and hospitals, nor massacres of civilians, including women and children.

Notably, the genocidal war on Gaza will mark its first anniversary early next month, with the death toll already approaching 41,500, most of whom are women and children.

Hassan Hani Zadeh, a Tehran-based political analyst, in an interview with the Press TV website, noted that President Pezeshkian will likely focus on highlighting the UN's role in ensuring global peace and stability, particularly in West Asia, given the ongoing carnage in Gaza and Lebanon.

Pezeshkian’s address at the UN General Assembly, Hani Zadeh added, is expected to focus on the mass murder in Gaza, framing Israel’s genocidal actions as a critical challenge to global peace and security.

The issue of recent terror attacks in Lebanon, involving the use of explosives hidden in pagers and walkie-talkies, will also likely feature prominently in the president’s speech.

Importantly, the Iranian president visited victims of the pager explosions at a hospital in Tehran before his US visit, assuring them of full medical assistance in the Islamic Republic.

These explosions have killed dozens and left around 3,000 injured, further escalating regional tensions.

Tensions have been high since the Israeli regime assassinated Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on August 1, just a day after he attended President Pezeshkian’s swearing-in ceremony.

Iranian authorities, including President Pezeshkian, have in unequivocal words vowed to avenge Haniyeh’s death with a retaliatory military operation against the Zionist entity.

Experts believe this issue will be a focal point in his discussions with other world leaders, as well as in media interviews on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.

During his swearing-in ceremony, a day before Haniyeh’s assassination, President Pezeshkian expressed hope for a future where "no Palestinian child will be buried under the ruins of their father’s house."

Addressing Israel’s arms suppliers, he stated that those who supply Gaza with child-killing weapons “cannot preach humanity and tolerance to others.”

President Pezeshkian also criticized the West's inconsistent stance on human rights during the ceremony, remarking, "For some human rights claimants in the West, the basic rights of humans are measured based on their skin color, religion, and language."

According to Hani Zadeh, “peace and friendship” with the majority of nations has been a cornerstone of President Pezeshkian’s policy since taking office.

“The government of Mr. Pezeshkian aims to establish balanced relations that align with the country’s national interests,” he told the Press TV website.

He further noted that the president is determined to make the Iranian people’s message of “peace, friendship, and love” resonate globally.

Through these meetings, President Pezeshkian seeks to foster improved relations between Iran and the international community, the analyst stated.

Before his departure to New York, the Iranian president described the United Nations as one of the “most important organizations” where “differences can be bridged, and peace and tranquility can be achieved.”

A firm commitment to “peace, stability, and diplomatic ties with allies and neighboring states” has been central to President Pezeshkian’s foreign policy.

This was evident even during the televised discussions leading up to the presidential election.

At that time, President Pezeshkian echoed the "Eastward" approach of his predecessor, President Ebrahim Raeisi, in both public appearances and media engagements.

During his swearing-in ceremony, President Pezeshkian reaffirmed the core principles of his government’s foreign policy, citing “dignity, wisdom, and expediency” as its three foundational pillars.

He has also expressed his intention to engage with Iranian expatriates living in the United States to counter the prevalent propaganda against Iran in the West.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who arrived in New York days before the president, has held discussions with many of his counterparts, emphasizing the Islamic Republic’s policy of good neighborliness, bilateral cooperation, and fostering deeper international interactions.

Araghchi also reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to respond to the assassination of Haniyeh.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk