Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian unequivocally stated on Thursday that Tehran does not intend to develop a nuclear weapon. He also expressed Iran's readiness to open its nuclear program to international inspection and offered to reduce its uranium enrichment levels. During his remarks, Pezeshkian assigned blame to the United States for the ongoing nearly seven-month conflict in the Middle East, alleging that Washington has impeded diplomatic solutions.
"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," President Pezeshkian affirmed, referencing religious edicts that prohibit weapons of mass destruction.
This public declaration from the Iranian leader comes amidst sustained international scrutiny of Iran’s nuclear activities, particularly its enrichment of uranium to concentrations significantly exceeding those typically required for civilian energy generation. This advanced enrichment was a key justification cited by former President Donald Trump for initiating Operation Epic Fury in February.
Offer to De-escalate Nuclear Program
However, on Thursday, President Pezeshkian signaled that Tehran would be receptive to reducing its uranium enrichment levels and permitting external verification as part of efforts to alleviate nuclear tensions.
"So, that weapon's mass destruction. We said we’re willing to dilute them. It’s not a big deal. We are willing to submit ourselves to verification," he explained.
Pezeshkian also drew attention to a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that failed to materialize, which he and then-President Donald Trump signed in June. This agreement was intended to halt hostilities and establish a framework for a broader understanding between the U.S. and Iran. Washington’s aim for this process was to culminate in an end to Iran’s nuclear ambitions, with a 60-day timeline planned for reaching a final accord.
"We have no problems. We did reach an agreement with your president," Pezeshkian stated, referring to Trump, who was a signatory to the agreement.
"That agreement was signed, and, based on that, we are willing and still wish to move forward."
"And the framework was agreed upon. We had not closed the Strait of Hormuz; it was open without any legal justification or framework," he added.
Accusations of US Aggression and Diplomatic Obstruction
Pezeshkian then accused the United States of initiating attacks and assassinating Iranian officials. "They attacked us. They assassinated and martyred our esteemed supreme leader, our scientists, our military commanders and government," he asserted.
He further criticized Washington for the subsequent collapse of diplomatic efforts but maintained that Tehran remains prepared to forge an agreement.
"The problem is that America, instead of conducting dialog, they descend into the arena by bombing us first, by blocking every pathway. We are ready," he contended. "This is not the way to conduct yourself on the world stage. They can have free access to see whatever we have, but not to put us under such pressure, under blockades, deny us access."
President Pezeshkian extended broader blame to Washington for the ongoing conflict.
"We do not seek to kill Americans, as shown by actions, demonstrable actions. America has sought to kill Iranians," Pezeshkian claimed. "What we know is that if we’re attacked, we must defend ourselves."
Resisting Sanctions and Demanding Resolution
Addressing U.S. military operations, including Operation Outcast, and the escalating imposition of secondary sanctions, Pezeshkian declared that Iran would persist in its resistance against Washington’s campaign.
"This is something that has been the doing of the United States," he affirmed. "We will keep resisting. We will find ways, and the life of our country will continue. We will remain."
"Yes, we do have economic issues, certainly. But in order to remain, we will go through any hardship and endure."
"If America thinks that they can keep sanctioning us, we have nothing to do, nor do we consider any type of American elections. If the current American government, within international legal frameworks, wishes to reach an agreement, fine. If not, before the elections or after the elections, what difference does it make for us?"
Pezeshkian reiterated that Iran does not desire the continuation of the war, attributing its provocation to Israel and placing the responsibility for its conclusion squarely on Washington.
"We will stand resolutely to defend ourselves. We never sought war. We do not seek war," he stated.
"I deeply believe that humans should not cause the death of another human. But with the instigations conducted by Israel, they have imposed this war on us."
"But we do not wish to continue. It’s America that must choose whether it wants to end this or not."
Denial Regarding Jordan Base Attack
The Iranian president also commented on reports suggesting that Iranian forces utilized Chinese satellite imagery to execute a fatal strike on a U.S. base in Jordan, an attack that resulted in the deaths of three American service members.
When questioned about these specific allegations, Pezeshkian denied having direct knowledge.
"I’m specifically unaware of these purported images that you talk about," Pezeshkian said. "Now, what do militaries do with one another between two countries? It is their own business within their own guidelines."
