Iran’s President Denies Nuclear Ambitions
In an exclusive interview, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian categorically dismissed claims that Tehran seeks to develop a nuclear weapon. He claimed that Iran is open to international inspections of its nuclear program and attributed the ongoing conflict in the Middle East to the actions of the United States, alleging that Washington is obstructing diplomatic efforts.
During the interview on a prominent news program, when Pezeshkian was directly asked if Iran wants a nuclear bomb, he firmly stated, “Not at all. Not at all. Our martyred, esteemed supreme leader had announced several times that, from a religious decree, it is unholy. It is illegal.” He referenced religious teachings that condemn the possession of weapons of mass destruction.
This denial by the Iranian leader comes amid increasing scrutiny of Iran’s nuclear activities, particularly its enrichment of uranium at levels exceeding those needed for civilian use. These concerns were central to President Donald Trump’s justification for military actions against Iran earlier this year.
On the other hand, Pezeshkian indicated a willingness to reduce enrichment levels and allow for verification by outside nations in a bid to calm nuclear tensions. “We said we’re willing to dilute them. It’s not a big deal,” he remarked, expressing openness to inspections as part of a broader agreement.
He also mentioned a previous memorandum of understanding with Trump aimed at curbing hostilities and establishing a framework for a more comprehensive U.S.-Iran deal. Pezeshkian noted that an agreement was reached, and he expressed readiness to continue moving forward with it.
“We had not closed the Strait of Hormuz; it was open without any legal justification or framework,” he asserted, criticizing the U.S. for failing to uphold the terms of the agreement and for resorting to military action. “They attacked us. They assassinated and martyred our esteemed supreme leader, our scientists, our military commanders, and government,” he added.
Pezeshkian did not hold back on blaming the U.S. for the diplomatic impasse but reiterated that Iran is willing to negotiate. “The problem is that America, instead of conducting dialog, they descend into the arena by bombing us first,” he stated, emphasizing Iran’s desire for a peaceful resolution.
The Iranian president also took the opportunity to clarify that Iran does not seek to aggress against Americans. “We do not seek to kill Americans… America has sought to kill Iranians,” he said, asserting that defending the nation is a priority if attacked.
In dealing with heightened military actions, including those led by the U.S., Pezeshkian made it clear that Iran would continue to resist pressure. “We will keep resisting. We will find ways, and the life of our country will continue,” he asserted, acknowledging economic hardships but committing to enduring them for the nation’s survival.
Despite the ongoing conflict, he stated that Iran does not wish for the war to persist, attributing some blame to Israel for escalating tensions. “We will stand resolutely to defend ourselves. We never sought war,” he emphasized, calling for the U.S. to decide whether it wants to pursue peace.
Regarding reports that Iranian forces used Chinese satellite imagery to conduct attacks on U.S. positions, Pezeshkian claimed no direct knowledge of such operations, stating, “I’m specifically unaware of these purported images that you talk about.”
