New York [US], September 24 (ANI): Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the United Nations Headquarters in New York on Wednesday, expressing dissent against Iran’s government ahead of President Masoud Pezeshkian’s scheduled address at the General Assembly. The demonstration comes a day after the UNGA session opened, as world leaders convene to discuss pressing global issues.
Protesters voiced opposition to Tehran’s policies, particularly its recent decision to halt cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) following UN Security Council sanctions. This decision comes after Pezeshkian approved a law on July 2 mandating suspension of Iran’s cooperation with the IAEA, according to Press TV. The law had been passed during a public parliamentary session on June 25.
The resolution cited alleged violations of Iran’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity by Israel and the United States concerning Iran’s peaceful nuclear facilities. As a result, Tehran declared that IAEA inspectors would be barred from entering the country until guarantees were provided for the security of nuclear sites and peaceful nuclear activities, pending approval by Iran’s Supreme National Security Council.
Earlier, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf had criticised the IAEA for failing to condemn US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Tehran also considered banning IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi from entering Iran, accusing him of facilitating actions by Israel and the US against Iran. This followed an anti-Iran resolution by the IAEA Board of Governors, supported by the UK, France, Germany, and the US, and based on Grossi’s reports.
In retaliation, Iran announced plans to construct a new nuclear facility and upgrade centrifuges at the Fordow enrichment plant to an advanced level. Tensions further escalated after US airstrikes on June 22 targeted Iran’s Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan nuclear facilities — an action which drew strong criticism from Tehran and was not condemned by Grossi, according to Press TV.
The protests outside the UN reflected mounting global concerns over the Iran nuclear issue and underscored growing unrest among diaspora communities ahead of Pezeshkian’s speech at the UNGA.
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