Pezeshkian: Middle East Must Build Security Together or Endure Insecurity Together

NEW YORK – Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has called on countries in the Middle East to work together to build regional security, warning that they would otherwise continue to suffer insecurity together.

Pezeshkian made the call on Wednesday while addressing the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.

“No one in this region will enjoy security alone. Either we will build security together, or we will endure insecurity together,” he told world leaders.

The Iranian president advocated a regional partnership on security, arguing that the security of countries in the Middle East could not be separated from one another.

He said neighbouring countries should not regard one another as security rivals, but as partners capable of working together to address regional challenges.

“We want our neighbours strong,” Pezeshkian said, according to reports of his address.

He also called for countries in the region to resolve their disputes within the region, while cautioning against external interventions that could contribute to further instability.

Pezeshkian said Iran remained ready for dialogue and diplomacy but would not accept negotiations conducted under what he described as the “language of force”.

“War was imposed on us, but we have proven that we do not fear war to defend ourselves and do not avoid negotiations for peace,” he said.

The Iranian leader also criticised what he described as double standards in the international system over nuclear weapons, sanctions and inspections.

He questioned why Iran faced international inspections and sanctions while Israel possessed nuclear weapons and remained outside the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

On the Strait of Hormuz, Pezeshkian said the security of shipping could not be guaranteed by undermining the security of countries bordering the strategic waterway.

He further called for an international order based on equality among nations, justice and common security.

Pezeshkian concluded by saying that Iran was extending its hand for cooperation with the international community, stressing that its call for peace was not a sign of weakness.

“Either we build security together, or we endure insecurity together,” he reiterated.

His address came amid continuing tensions involving Iran, Israel and the United States and renewed diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing further escalation in the Middle East.