The Iranian delegation, led by President Masoud Pezeshkian, will attend the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York starting September 22, 2024. Pezeshkian is scheduled to deliver his address on September 24, discussing Iran’s positions on various global issues. During his time in New York, he will also engage in multiple meetings, including discussions with Iranian expatriates, leaders of different religious communities, media figures, and representatives from American think tanks. Additionally, he is expected to participate in the Summit of the Future, a high-level event focused on creating a global consensus for present and future challenges.
Since 1979, Iranian presidents have consistently addressed the United Nations General Assembly with recurring themes. These themes include opposition to Western imperialism and sanctions, emphasizing the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program, defending Islamic Revolution values, supporting Palestine and criticizing Israel, advocating for regional security and peace, discussing global economic justice and inequality, promoting dialogue and multilateralism, opposing Western cultural dominance, and advocating for global peace and humanitarianism. These themes reflect Iran’s complex relationship with the international community and its consistent stance on sovereignty, resistance to Western influence, and advocacy for a more just world order.
Islamic Republic presidents’ speeches at the UN General Assembly have varied according to the domestic, regional, and international contexts in which they were delivered. Below is a summary of the main themes of each Iranian president’s UNGA speeches concerning key regional and global developments:
Abolhassan Banisadr (1980-1981)
Banisadr did not deliver any speeches at the UNGA during his short presidency.
His presidency was marked by internal political struggles, particularly with the clerics of the Islamic Revolution and the beginning of the Iran-Iraq War (1980). He was impeached in June 1981 and fled to France shortly after that. While Banisadr was president, Prime Minister Mohammad-Ali Rajai represented Iran internationally, particularly against U.S. meddling following the revolution and the hostage crisis (1979–1981).
Mohammad-Ali Rajai (1981)
Rajai’s speech reflected the early revolutionary fervor, focusing on anti-imperialism, support for Palestine, and criticism of Western regional intervention.
Rajai, who was the prime minister at the time, attended the UNGA in place of Banisadr. He delivered a speech during the peak of the Iran-Iraq War and the hostage crisis. In his speech, he echoed the revolutionary ideology of defiance against the U.S. and expressed support for oppressed nations, particularly Palestine.
Ali Khamenei (1981-1989)
Khamenei, during his presidency (1981-1989), focused on defending Iran’s right to resist Iraq’s aggression and sought international support against Saddam Hussein’s regime.
His speech was framed against the backdrop of the devastating Iran-Iraq War, during which Iran was largely isolated internationally, with many Arab countries and the West supporting Iraq. Khamenei criticized the West’s double standards and emphasized Iran’s resilience in the face of aggression.
Relevant UN Resolutions during Khamenei’s term:
- UNSCR 479 (1980) and UNSCR 598 (1987): These called for a ceasefire in the Iran-Iraq War, with Resolution 598 eventually leading to the cessation of hostilities in 1988.
Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani (1989–1997)
Rafsanjani did not speak at the UNGA. Other officials like Ali Akbar Velayati represented Iran. After Khamenei’s speech in 1987, Iran did not send a president or senior officials to deliver a speech at the UNGA for about eight years during Rafsanjani’s presidency. This absence continued until Khatami’s presidency in 1997.
Mohammad Khatami (1997–2005)
Khatami is known for introducing the concept of a “Dialogue Among Civilizations” at the UN, promoting diplomacy, peace, and understanding between cultures, and criticizing unilateralism, especially by the U.S.
During Khatami’s presidency, the U.S.’s growing post-Cold War dominance shaped the international environment. Khatami sought to improve Iran’s relations with the West and neighboring countries, advocating for dialogue over confrontation. His speeches addressed regional instability, including the U.S. interventions in Afghanistan and Iraq after 9/11, while calling for cooperation and peaceful conflict resolution.
Relevant developments:
- 2003 IAEA Resolution: During Khatami’s presidency, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) called on Iran to suspend uranium enrichment, marking the beginning of heightened international concern over Iran’s nuclear activities.
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (2005–2013)
Ahmadinejad’s speeches were known for their confrontational tone, particularly towards the U.S. and Israel. He questioned Israel’s legitimacy, criticized U.S. military interventions in the Middle East, and defended Iran’s nuclear program. He often emphasized global justice and the end of Western hegemony.
Ahmadinejad’s speeches were delivered during a period of heightened tensions over Iran’s nuclear program and Western sanctions. His presidency coincided with U.S.-led wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and Ahmadinejad positioned Iran as a defiant force against Western hegemony and military presence in the Middle East. His rhetoric drew significant attention, especially his denial of the Holocaust, which created global controversy.
Relevant UN Resolutions:
- UNSCR 1737 (2006), UNSCR 1747 (2007), UNSCR 1929 (2010): These resolutions imposed escalating sanctions on Iran over its refusal to suspend uranium enrichment activities and concerns over its nuclear program.
Hassan Rouhani (2013–2021)
Rouhani’s speeches focused on diplomacy, advocating for engagement with the international community, particularly concerning Iran’s nuclear program. He emphasized peace, economic development, and lifting sanctions while condemning U.S. sanctions and regional policies.
Rouhani’s presidency was defined by negotiating and signing the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2015, through which Iran agreed to limit its nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief. His speeches often stressed the importance of the nuclear deal, Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear energy, and the need for regional stability, particularly in the aftermath of the U.S. withdrawal from the JCPOA under President Trump in 2018. He also addressed regional crises in Syria and Yemen, where Iran played a significant role, often framing Iran as a stabilizing force.
Relevant UN Resolutions:
- UNSCR 2231 (2015): This endorsed the JCPOA, lifted many previous sanctions on Iran, and laid the groundwork for nuclear diplomacy.
Ebrahim Raisi (2021–2024)
Raisi’s speeches have maintained a defiant tone against U.S. sanctions, continued to defend Iran’s nuclear rights, and focused on condemning Western hypocrisy. He has also stressed Iran’s desire for constructive engagement with neighbors and regional actors while portraying Iran as a key player in regional stability.
Raisi’s presidency coincided with continued diplomatic efforts to revive the JCPOA, ongoing tensions with the U.S., and a difficult economic situation worsened by sanctions. His speeches reflect a continuation of Iran’s insistence on sanctions removal and respect for its sovereignty while maintaining a hardline approach to the West. His first UNGA speech came in the wake of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan and ongoing tensions with Israel and Saudi Arabia.
Contextual Overview
- 1979–1989: The Islamic Revolution and the Iran-Iraq War were dominant themes, with Iran framing itself as a revolutionary state fighting against imperialism and defending its sovereignty.
- The 1990s: Postwar reconstruction and efforts to reintegrate Iran into the international community were central themes, with a growing emphasis on diplomacy and regional cooperation.
- 2000s: Under Ahmadinejad, Iran took a more confrontational stance, challenging Western hegemony, defending its nuclear program, and criticizing U.S. interventions in the Middle East.
- 2010s: Rouhani’s era marked a shift towards diplomacy, focusing on the nuclear deal and efforts to reduce sanctions, though regional conflicts and U.S. tensions persisted.
- 2020s: Raisi continued to emphasize resistance to U.S. pressure, defend Iran’s nuclear rights, and advocate for regional stability, but with a harder line on Western interference.
- Pezeshkian: TBD
These themes highlight Iran’s ongoing struggle to assert its revolutionary identity, defend its sovereignty and regional interests, and engage with the international community amid significant geopolitical tensions.
Iran’s Rhetoric vs. Reality: A Comparative Analysis of the Islamic Republic’s Words and Actions Through Western Eyes
Opposition to Imperialism vs. Regional Interventions
Iranian leaders have long framed their foreign policy as a resistance to Western imperialism and interference in the Middle East. This narrative, heavily emphasized in speeches at the United Nations General Assembly, portrays Iran as a victim of foreign aggression, particularly in the form of U.S. sanctions and military presence in the region. Iran positions itself as a voice for the oppressed, fighting against what it sees as Western domination.
Western countries, however, argue that Iran’s actions in the region contradict this narrative. The U.S. and its allies frequently point to Iran’s involvement in conflicts in Syria, Iraq, and Yemen through its support of militias and proxy forces. They see Tehran’s military and political interference as a source of destabilization, undermining its claims to promote sovereignty and peace.
Nuclear Program: Peaceful Intentions vs. International Concerns
Iran has consistently maintained that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, focusing on energy production and medical research. The country asserts its right under the Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) to develop nuclear technology, denying any intention to build nuclear weapons.
Western nations, led by the United States and the European Union, have expressed deep concerns about Iran’s nuclear activities. They argue that Iran’s lack of transparency and noncompliance with international inspections fuels suspicions that its nuclear ambitions go beyond peaceful purposes. This suspicion led to the negotiation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2015, which aimed to limit Iran’s nuclear capabilities in exchange for sanctions relief. However, after the U.S. withdrew from the deal in 2018, Iran reduced its compliance, reigniting Western fears.
Support for Palestine vs. AntiIsrael Rhetoric
Iran’s vocal support for the Palestinian cause is a cornerstone of its foreign policy, with leaders frequently denouncing Israeli occupation and calling for Palestinian self-determination. Iran positions itself as the main opposition to Israel in the region, criticizing what it views as Western complicity in Israeli actions.
While some Western countries recognize legitimate Palestinian grievances, they criticize Iran’s anti-Israel rhetoric as inflammatory and counterproductive. Iran’s calls for the destruction of Israel and its financial and military support for groups like Hamas and Hezbollah are seen as fueling violence rather than fostering peace. Western nations argue that Iran exploits the Palestinian issue to expand its regional influence rather than seeking a genuine resolution to the conflict.
Dialogue and Multilateralism vs. Isolationism
Iran often calls for global dialogue, diplomacy, and multilateralism as key tools for resolving international disputes. Iranian leaders emphasize that a just global order requires cooperation and respect for sovereignty, positioning themselves as advocates for a fair and inclusive international system.
Western countries accuse Iran of selective multilateralism. They argue that while Iran speaks of dialogue, it simultaneously engages in actions that undermine diplomacy—such as supporting militias, ballistic missile tests, and destabilizing activities in the Middle East. Moreover, they criticize Tehran’s rejection of key international agreements and its unwillingness to fully cooperate with bodies like the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Global Peace and Humanitarianism vs. Regional Instability and Human Rights Concerns
Iran frequently portrays itself as a defender of global peace and humanitarian values, particularly emphasizing its opposition to foreign military interventions. Iranian leaders argue that their foreign policy aims to protect the oppressed and contribute to regional stability.
However, both Western governments and human rights organizations accuse Iran of contributing to regional instability while maintaining a troubling human rights record, both domestically and abroad. In addition to its military involvement in conflicts like the Syrian Civil War and the Yemen crisis, Iran faces widespread criticism for its support of groups accused of human rights violations. These include backing militias and regimes that have been implicated in atrocities against civilians. Domestically, Iran’s record is similarly criticized, with crackdowns on political dissent, restrictions on freedom of expression, and systemic repression of minority groups further complicating its self-portrayal as a defender of justice.
The gap between Iran’s rhetoric and its actions within its borders and the region remains a key source of friction between Tehran and Western capitals. While Iran seeks to present itself as a champion of peace, justice, and sovereignty, its domestic human rights abuses and regional activities are viewed as contradictory to these principles. This ongoing clash of perspectives continues to shape the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East, with both sides locked in a struggle over regional influence, human rights, and global legitimacy.
