Iran's President Pezeshkian vows never to 'bend the knee' to Trump
Summary
Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian stated at the UN General Assembly that Iran will never "bend the knee" amidst ongoing conflict with the US and Israel, while expressing readiness for a diplomatic resolution. This defiance comes in response to President Donald Trump's threat of annihilation if a deal is not reached soon. Pezeshkian emphasized that any agreement must include lifting the US blockade on Iranian ships, citing the importance of the Strait of Hormuz, which has been closed since late February due to Iranian attacks on commercial vessels and the US blockade. Recently, there were indirect talks between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US envoy Steve Witkoff, the first since a preliminary agreement in June to end the war collapsed due to resumed hostilities.