Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian sharply criticized Israel and the United States during his address to the United Nations General Assembly, arguing that Iran is being subjected to sanctions while Israel faces what he described as insufficient international accountability for its military actions.
Pezeshkian said the situation represented a contradiction in international policy. “Israel kills and kills. But Iran is subject to sanctions,” he said, describing the situation as a tragedy and questioning the reasoning behind sanctions imposed on Tehran.
The Iranian president argued that the consequences of economic sanctions are ultimately felt by ordinary people rather than only by governments. He specifically referred to sick people, low-income families and vulnerable sections of Iranian society, saying they bear the impact of restrictions imposed on the country.
Pezeshkian further accused the United States of using sanctions as a foreign-policy instrument designed to pressure governments by placing economic burdens on their populations. He characterized this approach as sacrificing a country's population in pursuit of political objectives.
Criticism of U.S. Sanctions
Iran has faced extensive U.S. sanctions for years, particularly over its nuclear program, regional activities and other disputes with Washington. The Iranian government has consistently argued that sanctions cause economic hardship for ordinary Iranians.
U.S. officials, meanwhile, have described sanctions as a means of applying economic and diplomatic pressure on the Iranian government and influencing its policies.
Pezeshkian's remarks reflect Tehran's longstanding argument that sanctions should not be used against civilian populations. Iran has repeatedly called for sanctions relief as part of negotiations with Western governments.
The Iranian president linked the issue directly to the broader conflict involving Israel, Iran and the United States, presenting sanctions and military action as interconnected elements of what he described as an unequal international system.
Israel and Iran Exchange Accusations
Pezeshkian's comments came amid heightened tensions between Iran and Israel. Tehran has accused Israel of conducting military operations that have killed civilians, while Israel has argued that its military actions are directed at security threats and Iranian military capabilities.
The competing claims have become a major issue in international diplomatic discussions.
By raising the issue at the UN General Assembly, Pezeshkian sought to frame Iran's position around the humanitarian consequences of both military action and economic restrictions. He argued that international responses should take greater account of the impact on civilians.
The Iranian president's remarks were strongly critical of Washington's approach and its relationship with Israel. He questioned why Iran faces economic punishment while, in his characterization, Israel avoids comparable consequences for its military conduct.
Humanitarian Impact at the Center
Economic sanctions can affect a country's access to international financial systems, trade and certain goods and services. Their humanitarian effects have been the subject of continuing international debate.
Iranian officials have frequently argued that restrictions make it more difficult for ordinary citizens to access essential goods and services. The United States has maintained that humanitarian exemptions and channels exist for certain categories of goods, while arguing that sanctions are directed primarily at specific government entities, individuals and activities.
Pezeshkian's speech focused on the human consequences rather than the technical details of sanctions policy.
He emphasized people who are already economically vulnerable, arguing that they should not bear the consequences of disputes between governments.
Broader Message at the UN
The comments formed part of a wider message from Pezeshkian at the 81st UN General Assembly. Iran's president also challenged what he described as unequal treatment over nuclear inspections and international pressure.
Pezeshkian argued that Iran is subjected to extensive scrutiny over its nuclear program while Israel, which has a longstanding policy of nuclear ambiguity, is not subject to the same inspection framework.
His broader argument was that international rules should be applied consistently to countries rather than selectively.
The Iranian president also emphasized Tehran's stated willingness to pursue diplomacy while rejecting negotiations conducted under military or economic pressure.
Washington's Position
The United States has maintained that sanctions against Iran are intended to address specific concerns involving the Iranian government, including nuclear activities and regional security.
Washington has also repeatedly emphasized the need to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Tehran, for its part, maintains that its nuclear program is intended for peaceful purposes and has rejected accusations that it seeks nuclear weapons.
These disagreements remain at the center of U.S.-Iran relations.
Pezeshkian's latest comments therefore combine Iran's objections to sanctions with its broader criticism of U.S. policy toward Israel and the Middle East.
Continuing Diplomatic Dispute
The speech comes as diplomatic efforts continue alongside military tensions in the region. International governments have called for dialogue and measures to prevent further escalation.
Pezeshkian's remarks underline Tehran's position that any diplomatic settlement should address sanctions and what Iran considers unequal treatment in the international system.
His accusations against Israel and the United States represent the Iranian government's stated position and remain contested by the governments involved. The remarks themselves do not independently establish responsibility for particular civilian casualties or determine the humanitarian effects of individual sanctions.
As international discussions continue, the humanitarian impact of sanctions, civilian protection during armed conflict and the future of Iran's nuclear program are likely to remain central issues in negotiations and diplomatic forums.
Reported by Middle East Desk
