Raisi's Speech at the United Nations; Claim of 'Miscalculation' by the West in Last Year's Events in Iran

Ebrahim Raisi delivered a speech at the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, September 19, marking his second address since becoming President of the Islamic Republic of Iran. He began his remarks by condemning the burning of the Quran, while many seats remained empty. Israeli representatives were absent from the hall, but representatives from the United States listened to his speech. In another part of his address, Raisi described the ban on hijab in some Western countries as anti-free speech, despite the fact that many women in Iran have been arrested and faced heavy judicial sentences for choosing optional dress over the past year. Raisi also claimed that 'the people of West Asia know that Western democracy is nothing but occupation and war, and this democracy is now nearing its end.' The President of the thirteenth government of the Islamic Republic expressed readiness to share Iran's experiences in environmental preservation and the use of clean and sustainable energy, while Iran suffers from major environmental issues. He referred to the past year as 'the year of victory for the Iranian nation' and, without mentioning the widespread protests in Iran following the death of Mahsa Amini and the killing of over 500 protesters during the protests of 2022, stated that Western countries made a 'miscalculation' last year. He also claimed that the global order is changing and that the West is becoming isolated, asserting that Iran will play an important role in this new order. Raisi further stated that 'America is the largest prison for mothers in the world and cannot be a defender of women's rights.' He reiterated claims from state media regarding butterfly disease patients, stating, 'These patients lack access to medicine due to sanctions.' Raisi included the name of Qassem Soleimani in his speech, referring to him as a 'martyr' and 'hero in the fight against terrorism.' Despite credible evidence of the Islamic Republic's involvement in Russia's aggression against Ukraine, Raisi described the Islamic Republic's position as 'opposing any war' and refrained from providing a precise stance on the matter. He also added that nuclear weapons have no place in Iran's nuclear doctrine and that the Islamic Republic will not relinquish its 'nuclear rights.' At the end of his speech at the UN General Assembly, the thirteenth government president described old powers as declining, stating, 'They are the past, and we are the future.' Raisi echoed part of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's remarks, saying, 'The world is waiting for a savior. This savior is present, and with his emergence, global justice will be achieved.' Raisi's presence and speech in New York have sparked widespread reactions from opposition groups, American politicians, and lawmakers. Voice of America has fact-checked Raisi's claims made at the UN General Assembly, which will gradually be added to this report.