UNITED NATIONS — Iran’s president told the U.N. General Assembly Thursday that moderate leaders in the Middle East must spearhead the fight against extremists, warning that their goal of destroying civilization is generating anti-Muslim hatred and creating fertile ground for further intervention of foreign forces in the region.

Hassan Rouhani said leaders who are neither anti- nor pro-Western and know “the pain” the region is experiencing can win the confidence of people in their countries “and establish the strongest national and international coalitions against violence.”

“And if other nations wish to take action against terrorism, they must come to their support,” he said.

Rouhani warned that if countries that have joined the U.S.-led coalition “do so to continue their hegemony in the region, they would make a strategic mistake.” This appeared to be directed to the monarchies that are part of the more than 50-nation coalition — Saudi Arabia, Jordan, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Qatar.

“I warn that if we do not muster all our strengths against extremism and violence today, and fail to entrust the job to the people in the region who can deliver, tomorrow the world will be safe for no one,” Rouhani said.

In a wide-ranging speech, he also said a nuclear agreement is possible before the November deadline if the West wants a deal and shows flexibility.

He said an agreement would create a new day for cooperation in the region and internationally, including on combating violence and extremism.