Addressing the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warned that Iran would make the United States and Israel regret their actions.

He told delegates that his country has no intention of developing a nuclear weapon, while restating that it will not stop its nuclear science or the development of peaceful technology.

The president said Iran does not accept that nuclear knowledge should remain under the control of a small number of states. He added that Iran will not permit any single actor to take charge of maritime security in the Middle East, that it does not fear war if it comes to defending the country, and that it is not setting aside the path of dialogue.

We want to defend our country, not to invade others, he said. He also claimed it is Israel that holds an atomic bomb, noting that nuclear inspectors have entered Iran, and said that Israel kills while Iran is sanctioned.

US President Donald Trump had earlier used his own address at the assembly to threaten Iran. Responding, Mr Pezeshkian described this as a sign of rule by pressure and force, saying that although his country's adversaries may try to apply pressure, Iran will make its aggressors regret their actions.

On the wider situation in the Middle East, he said no single country can be secure on its own, adding that security is built together and its consequences faced together — a message directed at neighbouring states that host US military bases.