Iranian President Pezeshkian at UN: "They Hit Us, But We Did Not Bend The Knee Or Bow Our Heads"
https://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2026/09/23/iranian_president_pezeshkian_at_un_yes_they_hit_us_--_but_we_did_not_bend_the_knee.html

Iranian President Pezeshkian told the UN General Assembly today in New York that the United States is the real terrorist, citing the assassination of Ayatollah Khamenei and the bombing of the girls' school in Minab on the first day of the US-Israeli attack.

"These children perished under bombs, weapons used by the U.S.and Israel. They were innocent, had committed no crimes," he said. "They assassinated and martyred our scientists, our men, women and children. Innocent children who had committed no crimes, no sins."

"Those who are terrorists, who train and protect terrorists, describe us as such. We have only defended ourselves. We are not terrorists," he said. "Our innocent people have been the targets of cowardly attacks and aggressions imposed upon our country, and we defended ourselves with the utmost strength. America and Israel attacked us, equipped with the latest technology and weapons, and our people stood steadfast."

"Yes, they hit us, but we did not bend the knee. We did not bow our heads. We responded, but we did not hit civilian populations," he said. "They targeted our universities, our healthcare centers, our schools and hospitals, our infrastructure -- all of this against international law."

"Lasting peace in West Asia is impossible without justice for Palestine... They will resist. What other choice do they have? Succumb to bullying?"