Iran’s Pezeshkian Denies Nuclear Weapons Ambition, Defends Peaceful Energy Rights Amid Ceasefire

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday reiterated that the Islamic Republic does not seek nuclear weapons, even as tensions remain high following devastating US and Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. In a phone call with United Arab Emirates President Mohammed bin Zayed, Pezeshkian stressed that Iran would continue to assert its “legitimate rights” regarding peaceful nuclear energy.

“We have never pursued nuclear weapons, nor do we intend to,” Pezeshkian told his Emirati counterpart, according to Iran’s official IRNA news agency. “We are ready to resolve issues through negotiations, not war.”

The statement comes amid a fragile ceasefire that halted 12 days of intense fighting between Iran and Israel, which escalated after Israel carried out targeted strikes on Iranian nuclear scientists and top military commanders. The conflict saw the United States, Israel’s key ally, launch unprecedented attacks on nuclear facilities at Fordo, Isfahan, and Natanz on Sunday.

Pezeshkian condemned what he called “unjust aspirations imposed by force,” referring to the US and Israeli actions. “We expect you to explain to them, in your dealings with the United States, that Iran only seeks to assert its legal and sovereign rights,” he told President bin Zayed.

This latest escalation unfolded just days before a planned round of nuclear negotiations between Washington and Tehran. While Iran insists its right to enrich uranium is “non-negotiable,” the United States has labelled Iran’s advanced enrichment as a “red line,” complicating diplomatic prospects.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump also weighed in, saying he does not support regime change in Iran and believes diplomacy is still possible. However, with both sides hardening their rhetoric and regional tensions still simmering, the future of nuclear talks remains uncertain.