Before departing Tehran for New York on Sunday, to attend the UN general assembly meeting, president Rouhani spoke to journalists and stressed: "The criminal terror attack will not have any effect on the resolve of the Iranian nation."

Iran Press- Iran/ The president made the remark at Mehrabad international airport. He also said: "We will respond to the criminal attack in Ahwaz within the framework of our laws and taking into account the interests of our nation. The murderers will receive their just punishment."

Related news:

Terrorists attack a military parade in Ahvaz, southwestern Iran, 25 killed

ln further remarks, president Rouhani said: "The US government is taking advantage of the United Nations. The US government will not achieve its objectives vis-a-vis the Iranian nation. We are ready to respond to US actions. The Americans will come to regret their actions."

Turning to the terrorist attack in Ahwaz, President Rouhani said the Islamic Republic will not forgive the terrorist attack on a military parade,  which killed 25 people and injured dozens of others.

He vowed that all those connected to the terrorist attack would be arrested and receive their due punishment, according to Mehr news agency.

“It is perfectly clear to us who were behind the attack and what their affiliations are,” Rouhani said. “Those who keep repeating their bogus stance on human rights must be held accountable; all those small mercenary countries in the region which US backs and provokes.”

Rouhani then talked about his upcoming trip to New York, saying that taking part at the UN General Assembly meeting is an opportunity for any country to express its views on various regional and international issues.

Related news:

President Rouhani heads to New York on Sept 23

He said he would talk in length about the current US administration’s attitude which is geared toward unilateralism combined with an extreme sense of nationalism.

Rouhani added that he would detail the numerous instances of US’ violations of international law during his address to the UN General Assembly, as well as in his interviews and bilateral meetings.

The topic of the Iran nuclear deal will also be brought up, Rouhani said, voicing optimism about Iran overcoming America's unlawful and unilateral sanctions with the least amount of loss.

We will make the US regret its meddling and aggression towards other countries, particularly Iran, Rouhani promised.

A number of high ranking officials including foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif are accompanying the president in his trip to New York. 

The United Nations General Assembly which is one of the six bodies of the organization and represents all 193 member states, holds its annual meeting every September.

Attendance of many heads of state, premiers, and foreign ministers of countries makes the UNGA annual meetings an important venue for world leaders to address the most important national, regional, and international issues in their speeches.

This year, the UN General Assembly annual session started on Sept 18 and runs up to Sept 25. 

The gathering also gives an opportunity to world statesmen to hold bilateral and multilateral meetings on the sidelines of the event. 

President Rouhani, since taking office in 2013, has regularly attended UNGA annual meetings, seizing the opportunity to expound on Iran's stances regarding regional and international issues.

Read more:

Amir-Abdollahian: Terrorists active in this region are friends of United States

Iranian people call terrorists behind Ahwaz attack 'cowards'

Iran will respond "swiftly and decisively" to military parade attack: Zarif

Iranian people call terrorists behind Ahwaz attack 'cowards'