Pezeshkian accused Israel of abandoning diplomacy in favor of using force. He added, “Israel and its sponsors no longer even content themselves with normalisation through political means. Rather, they impose their presence through naked force, and have styled it peace through strength.”

He also reiterated Iran’s stance on nuclear weapons, declaring before the assembly, “I hereby declare once more before this assembly that Iran has never sought and will never seek to build a nuclear bomb.”

Turning his attention to Europe, Pezeshkian strongly condemned recent efforts by the UK, France, and Germany to reimpose UN sanctions on Iran due to its nuclear program. He accused these countries of acting in bad faith and violating their legal obligations under the 2015 nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). He said, “They sought to portray Iran’s lawful remedial measures taken in response to the United States’ withdrawal from the JCPOA and to Europe’s breach and other incapacity as a gross violation.”

The remarks were delivered on the second day of the UN General Assembly’s annual General Debate, where global leaders convened to discuss critical international issues.

IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir has detailed the scale of the ground forces involved in the new Gaza City operation. Approximately one hundred thousand Israeli soldiers will be deployed to control Gaza, which is 41 kilometers long and 12 kilometers wide, meaning 273 soldiers per kilometer for the occupation.

The occupation plan, approved by the Israeli Security Cabinet, involves occupying large parts of central Gaza, including Gaza City, and displacing approximately one million Palestinian civilians. The Israeli military intends to operate in areas where hostages are believed to be held, potentially endangering their lives.

An American official, as reported by Axios, indicated that a recent video released by Hamas, depicting an Israeli hostage digging their own grave, influenced Trump’s change in position. The official stated the video deeply affected the former President, leading him to believe Israel should take whatever actions it deems necessary.

Netanyahu and his allies argue that Hamas is unwilling to accept a comprehensive ceasefire and hostage agreement that Israel can accept, believing that military pressure is the only way to force Hamas to concede. However, Israeli Chief of Staff General Eyal Zamir warned that this action could endanger the hostages’ lives and ensnare Israel in a direct military administration in Gaza, forcing them to bear the full responsibility for 2 million Palestinians.