New York: In a address to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Wednesday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian praised the recent Pakistan-Saudi Arabia defense agreement, calling it a potential foundation for a “comprehensive regional security system.”

Speaking just days before international sanctions may be reimposed on Tehran over its nuclear program, President Pezeshkian defended Iran’s position and emphasized the country’s peaceful intentions.

“We do not seek to acquire nuclear weapons,” said Pezeshkian, reiterating Iran’s long-standing stance on its nuclear policy. “Our defense doctrine is based on deterrence and self-reliance, not aggression.”

The Iranian president welcomed the defense accord between Islamabad and Riyadh, highlighting the need for regional cooperation in addressing security threats.

“The agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia can be the beginning of a comprehensive regional security system,” he stated, signaling Iran’s openness to multilateral frameworks—provided they respect the sovereignty of all regional actors.

Pezeshkian also criticized the European Troika—the UK, France, and Germany—for imposing new sanctions on Iran, accusing them of acting in concert with Washington.

“These sanctions are politically motivated and unjust,” he said. “The European Troika, with the backing of the United States, continues to punish Iran despite our commitments to diplomacy.”

In a more combative tone, Pezeshkian accused Israel of violating Iran’s sovereignty.

“Israel attacked Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” he declared, referencing recent covert operations and alleged drone strikes attributed to Tel Aviv. “This is a blatant act of aggression under the silence and complicity of the so-called defenders of international law.”

A Message of Defiance:

Pezeshkian vowed that Iran would remain resilient in the face of international pressure.

“Iran will not surrender before the enemy,” he said. “We will emerge stronger, more united, and more determined to defend our rights and our people.”

President Pezeshkian’s remarks come amid renewed tensions over Iran’s nuclear activities, with Western powers pushing for a reactivation of UN sanctions. The speech highlights Tehran’s efforts to rally regional support and push back against growing diplomatic isolation.

Macron Warns Iran of Imminent Sanctions as Nuclear Deal Deadline Looms:

French President Emmanuel Macron has issued a stark warning to Iran, telling President Masoud Pezeshkian that only “hours remain” to reach a deal on Tehran’s nuclear programme before sweeping UN sanctions are reimposed.

France, along with Britain and Germany, has set a deadline for the end of Saturday at the UN Security Council, after which sanctions suspended under the 2015 nuclear agreement — known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) — will automatically snap back into place if no agreement is reached.

Despite the urgency, talks between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his European counterparts on Tuesday failed to produce a breakthrough, with both sides only agreeing to continue discussions.

President Pezeshkian rejected accusations of Iranian non-cooperation, insisting that Tehran does not seek to develop a nuclear bomb. He criticized the European parties for acting in bad faith and blamed the current crisis on the United States’ unilateral withdrawal from the JCPOA under President Donald Trump.

With the clock ticking, diplomatic efforts continue, but time is rapidly running out for a resolution.