Pezeshkian Accuses US of Breaking June Deal as Iran's Team Heads to UNGA

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has accused the United States of failing to honour an agreement the two countries signed in June, speaking at Tehran's Mehrabad airport before departing for New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly.

"We have sat at the negotiating table many times. We signed agreements together. Despite the agreements we signed, unfortunately the whole world has seen how easily those commitments were violated by them," Pezeshkian said, referring to the Americans.

The June accord, signed by Pezeshkian and US President Donald Trump, was meant to end the war between the two sides, but exchanges of attacks resumed shortly afterwards. Since then, Iran has sought to close the Strait of Hormuz, while the US has reimposed a naval blockade and intensified economic pressure.

Pezeshkian rejected the idea that Iran could be compelled to surrender through force. "If we want a secure world, if we want a world filled with peace and stability, then they must respect the rights of all people, nations, and everyone living on this planet. They can't force humans into submission through the use of force," he said.

He also accused Washington of trying to cut off every route available to Iran after failing to achieve its aims militarily. "They are closing off routes, shutting down air routes, blocking land routes, and trying to fuel internal divisions," he said, adding that Iran would stand by its country, people and convictions.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi was seen arriving in New York on Monday ahead of the gathering. The State Department said it had approved visas for Iran's "core delegation" and essential staff, a group that includes Pezeshkian and Araghchi, according to US officials who spoke on condition of anonymity, citing visa privacy rules.

The decision is notable given the conflict between the two countries, now more than six months old, and the absence of any indication that agreements to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or resume talks on Iran's nuclear programme are near.

It comes as Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have increased attacks on Saudi infrastructure and shipping in the Red Sea, another key maritime route where disruptions have contributed to a surge in global oil prices. Washington also continues to describe Iran as the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism, has imposed significant sanctions, and has launched a campaign in recent weeks aimed at severing what it calls critical financial lifelines.

As the host country for UN headquarters, the US is generally limited in its ability to stop foreign leaders from attending the General Assembly, though it has in the past denied visas to, or discouraged applications from, leaders involved in active conflicts with Washington.