'We are not terrorists': Iran's President responds to Trump's threat to 'annihilate' at UN

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian responded Wednesday to Donald Trump's threat to "annihilate" Iran, telling the UN General Assembly that his country is a victim of terrorism, not a perpetrator. Trump made the threat Tuesday during his own address to the Assembly. Pezeshkian said he had prepared a different speech but changed it after Trump's remarks. "Yesterday the President of the United States described us as terrorists, when we have been victims of terrorism," Pezeshkian said. He cited the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader and a school bombing that killed innocent children, using weapons he said were supplied by the US and Israel. "They have turned our scientists, our men, women and innocent children into martyrs — people who committed no crime or sin," he said. "Those who are terrorists and train terrorists describe us as such. We have done nothing but defend ourselves. We are not terrorists." Pezeshkian said Iran has been attacked with advanced weapons but its people remain standing. "Yes, they have struck us, but we have not kneeled." **On Gaza and Palestine** Pezeshkian accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, saying more than 80,000 innocent civilians have been killed and thousands displaced. "Are we the source of instability?" he asked. "All we seek is to live independently." He said lasting peace in West Asia is impossible without justice for Palestine. "As long as occupation, aggression and injustice persist, resistance will continue. Even if weakened, it will rise again in other forms, perhaps stronger." **On nuclear energy** Pezeshkian said Iran seeks nuclear energy for progress, not to threaten other nations. "We say no to nuclear weapons, but we also say no to limits on nuclear technology," he said. He added that Iran will not accept nuclear energy being reserved for only a few countries. **Defiance against US pressure** Pezeshkian concluded by saying US sanctions and pressure will only strengthen Iran's resistance. "Mr. Trump and those who try to harass us know that we are ready to talk, but we will not accept the language of force," he said. "We will never bow our heads or kneel."