Pezeshkian Says Iran Won’t Surrender After Trump’s Annihilation Threat

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian addresses the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 23, 2026.

 New York, September 23, 2026: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian told the United Nations on Wednesday that Iran would not surrender in its ongoing conflict with the United States, while also saying Tehran remains committed to diplomacy as a possible way to end the war. His remarks came a day after U.S. President Donald Trump warned that he could “annihilate” Iran if a deal is not reached.

Pezeshkian delivered his address at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. The U.S. delegation left the chamber at the beginning of his speech, according to Reuters.

Pezeshkian Rejects Surrender

Pezeshkian said Tehran would continue defending its position but indicated that Iran still sees diplomacy as an avenue for ending the conflict. His comments followed Trump’s UN speech on Tuesday, in which the U.S. president presented negotiations and continued military pressure as competing options for dealing with Iran.

The Iranian president also criticized the pressure placed on Iran during the conflict and said Tehran wanted to use the UN platform to highlight the consequences of the war.

Strait of Hormuz Remains Central Issue

The Strait of Hormuz was another major element of Pezeshkian’s speech. The strategically important waterway is a major route for global energy shipments and has become a key point of confrontation between Washington and Tehran.

Iran has linked possible changes to shipping restrictions around the strait with broader developments in the conflict. Separately, U.S. and Iranian representatives have been involved in mediated discussions in New York, with the possibility of further diplomacy still being discussed.

Trump Threatens Escalation, But Talks Continue

Trump’s warning came as diplomatic efforts were also taking place. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and White House adviser Jared Kushner were involved in discussions with Iranian representatives through mediators in New York. U.S. officials described the talks positively, although significant differences remain.

Trump has said he believes a settlement could eventually be reached, while Tehran continues to demand changes in U.S. military and economic pressure as part of any diplomatic process.

No Agreement Yet

Despite the renewed diplomatic activity, there is no confirmed peace agreement between Washington and Tehran. Major disputes remain over Iran’s nuclear programme, sanctions, military operations and the future of the Strait of Hormuz.

The latest statements therefore underline the gap between the two sides: Iran is publicly rejecting surrender while maintaining that diplomacy remains possible, whereas Washington continues to combine negotiations with threats of further escalation