Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian claimed to be the peacemaker in the Middle East in his address to the United Nations General Assembly, while accusing Israel of supporting terrorism. However, Iran's involvement in proxy wars and support for terrorist organizations in the region contradicts its claims. Pezeshkian also called for unity in the region and expressed a desire to move forward with the U.S. despite the withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear agreement. Iran expert Behnam Ben Taleblu criticized Pezeshkian's speech, calling it propaganda and suggesting that it aims to deflect pressure on Iran's nuclear program.