Iran's Pezeshkian Delivers Defiant UN Address on Nuclear Program

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian addressed the UN General Assembly Wednesday — likely the first time a foreign leader has spoken at the world body while at war with the host nation.

• 3 hours of indirect U.S.-Iran talks occurred Tuesday on the Assembly's sidelines.
• Trump envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff led the U.S. side of those talks.
• Iran demanded the U.S. end its port blockade and release frozen Iranian assets.
• Commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz remains below prewar levels.

Why it matters: Pezeshkian's speech is the highest-profile moment in stalled U.S.-Iran diplomacy since a June ceasefire collapsed. The outcome shapes global energy markets and regional security.

• Trump said Tuesday he must decide whether to make a deal or 'annihilate' Iran.
• Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Trump is open to meeting Pezeshkian in New York.

How 17 sources split on this story

What’s next: Trump said additional U.S.-Iran talks are scheduled 'in the near future.'

• The General Assembly's high-level debate runs through September 28.
• Whether Iran and the U.S. will move toward direct, higher-level negotiations or remain in indirect talks through mediators.
• Whether Trump will meet Pezeshkian in New York, as Rubio suggested is possible.