In his speech to the United Nations General Assembly, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed strong positions on the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Accusing Israel of seeking to spark a wider war in the region, he called on the international community to work towards a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and an end to what he called Israel’s “desperate barbarity” in Lebanon.
Vehemently defending Iran’s support for the Palestinians, President Pezeshkian denounced what he called “state terrorism” by Israel, saying that the Jewish state was committing “genocide” in Gaza by indiscriminately targeting schools, hospitals and homes. He also highlighted Israel’s failure in Gaza, arguing that barbaric violence could not restore the Zionist state’s supposed invincibility.
Pezeshkian then asserted that Iran seeks its own security first and foremost and does not seek to sow insecurity among its neighbors. He made it clear that Iran wants peace for all and does not seek war or conflict with others.
In response, Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon justified Israel’s military strikes in Lebanon as necessary to protect Israeli civilians. He said that nearly 9,000 missiles had been launched from Lebanese territory and that the precise airstrikes targeted Hezbollah’s missile launch points and depots in southern Lebanon.
The situation remains tense between Israel and Hezbollah, with exchanges of fire since the beginning of the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Recent Israeli bombardments in Lebanon have killed hundreds and injured thousands.
This escalation of violence underscores the need for international mediation to find a diplomatic solution and end hostilities. Both sides must recognize the urgency of the situation and commit to working for peace and stability in the region, rather than giving in to the logic of violence and revenge.
It is imperative that the international community act quickly to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe and promote dialogue and cooperation between the different actors in the conflict. Only a resolute commitment to peace and mutual respect can put an end to this spiral of violence and suffering that affects so many innocent lives in the Middle East.