Iranian President Blames Trump for Bullying, Says Iran Won't Surrender

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian told the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday that U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent remarks reflected a "bullying mentality" and that Iran would not bow to pressure or surrender in the ongoing conflict with the United States. He said threats only strengthen Iran’s resolve and dismissed Trump’s warning that Tehran could be annihilated without a deal.

"The remarks made by the US president yesterday ... are a sign of a bullying mentality. The Iranian people will not bow to pressure. Those who are terrorists and train terrorists call us terrorists," Pezeshkian said, referencing Trump’s description of Iran as a leading sponsor of terrorism.

Pezeshkian added that Iran remains open to diplomatic talks to resolve tensions but will not accept language that calls for force. He accused the United States of civilian casualties during the war, displaying photos including schoolgirls from a February 28 missile strike on a primary school in Minab that Iranian officials say killed more than 175 children and teachers. An internal U.S. military investigation later suggested U.S. forces were likely responsible.

The Iranian leader also stated that Iran has no intention to pursue nuclear weapons, while insisting on its right to a peaceful nuclear program.

"Neither nuclear weapons nor giving up nuclear knowledge," he said.

The speech came as Washington intensifies economic pressure after military action failed to compel Tehran, and as the Strait of Hormuz—through which a fifth of global oil and LNG passes—remains a flashpoint. Pezeshkian warned that permanent hostile naval deployments and an expanded war would not bring peace and urged that all parties benefit from access to the strait.

The U.S. delegation left the hall at the start of Pezeshkian’s address, and the U.S. mission to the United Nations did not immediately comment.