An expert told Fox News Digital that President Donald Trump would likely have reacted dismissively to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s criticism of the United States during a United Nations speech. The remarks came as tensions between Washington and Tehran escalated, with both leaders delivering opposing messages from the same U.N. stage within 24 hours.

Pezeshkian portrayed Iran as the victim of attacks by the United States and Israel, while Trump warned Tehran it must reach an agreement or face further destruction. Despite the public confrontation, Trump said US and Iranian representatives held several hours of mediated discussions, which he described as productive. The expert said both sides appeared to be using time and negotiations to pressure the other into choosing between escalation and engagement.