Pezeshkian made the remarks on Tuesday before leaving Iran, with his address to the UN meeting scheduled for Wednesday.

“We emerged with our heads held high, and this is a source of dignity and pride for all of us. Therefore, we will firmly defend our positions in international forums,” he said before flying out of Iran, according to footage broadcast by state television .

Pezeshkian Takes Iran’s Case to UN

The Iranian president said his visit would provide an opportunity to communicate the country’s position directly to the international community.

“We will make the best possible use of this opportunity to convey Iran’s plight to the international community. We will firmly tell our adversaries that, despite all the unfairness and injustices, the Iranian people have stood their ground,” he said.

Pezeshkian will be the highest-ranking Iranian official to enter the United States since the Middle East war began in late February with US-Israeli strikes on Iran.

Washington has approved travel for part of the Iranian delegation attending the UN gathering despite the conflict. However, the US State Department said members of the group would face restrictions on their movement.

Pezeshkian’s communications team will not make the trip after they were denied visas.

Iranian presidential spokesman Habibollah Abbassi described the decision as “hostile,” according to local media.

Strait of Hormuz Remains Key Issue

The visit comes as the strategic Strait of Hormuz remains a central point in the conflict between Tehran and Washington.

Before the war, one-fifth of the world ’s hydrocarbons passed through the maritime route. Traffic has since been severely disrupted, with Iran firing on commercial vessels and demanding approval for passage.

The United States has responded by maintaining a counterblockade of Iranian ports while increasing economic pressure on Tehran.