Watch: What messages did the US and Iran send about the war?

September 23, 2026

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian made a historically significant journey to New York City to address the United Nations General Assembly, marking the first occasion that a leader of a nation currently engaged in active warfare with the United States has attended this forum. During his address to international leaders, Pezeshkian delivered a defiant message stating that Iran would not surrender or submit after nearly seven months of military conflict involving the US and Israel. Despite his firm stance, the Iranian president indicated openness to resolving the ongoing conflict through diplomatic channels.

Who is affected

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian
Iran (the nation and its people)
The United States
Israel
United Nations General Assembly attendees and member nations
International leaders present at the UN General Assembly

What action is being taken

President Masoud Pezeshkian is visiting New York City for the United Nations General Assembly
Pezeshkian is delivering a speech to world leaders at the Assembly
BBC's Tom Bateman is analyzing and comparing the messages from Pezeshkian and President Trump

Why it matters

This represents an unprecedented diplomatic moment, as it is the first time a president of a country actively at war with the United States has physically traveled to New York to address the UN General Assembly. The significance lies in the direct diplomatic communication occurring during active conflict, with Iran's leader simultaneously projecting strength by refusing to surrender while also signaling potential willingness for diplomatic resolution after nearly seven months of warfare involving the US and Israel.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC