Iran's president vows not to be bullied, remains open to dialogue

Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi told the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday that Tehran will not be “bullied” by foreign powers, but remains “open to dialogue” on the nuclear issue. He delivered the remarks in New York as the assembly opened its annual session, emphasizing that Iran will protect its sovereignty while seeking a diplomatic path forward. The speech came amid renewed U.S. and European sanctions that target Iran’s oil exports, banking sector and senior officials.

The statement reflects mounting pressure on Iran after it resumed enriching uranium beyond the limits set by the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). In the months before the UN meeting, the United States re‑imposed sanctions for alleged breaches of the nuclear agreement and for Tehran’s support for armed groups in the region. Europe has warned that a return to the deal is unlikely without verifiable limits on Iran’s enrichment. At the same time, Israel’s war in Gaza has heightened regional tensions, prompting Tehran to assert its right to self‑defence and to resist what it calls “hostile” policies.

U.S. officials responded by calling Raisi’s remarks “unhelpful” and urged Iran to return to negotiations in Vienna, where a new round of talks is scheduled for next month. The European Union said it will keep diplomatic channels open but warned that any further escalation could lead to “more severe” measures. Iran’s foreign ministry has signalled willingness to meet with European diplomats, though it insists any talks must respect Iran’s “legitimate security concerns.” The next steps will likely hinge on whether Tehran agrees to allow International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors broader access, a condition the West has made central to any revival of the nuclear pact. If talks stall, sanctions could tighten further, deepening Iran’s economic woes and increasing the risk of miscalculation in an already volatile region.