Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that Iran is not pursuing nuclear weapons and warned US President-elect Donald Trump against escalating tensions into a “war” with the Islamic Republic, during a televised interview with NBC News on Tuesday.
“I hope that Trump will contribute to peace in the region and the world, not cause bloodshed or war,” Pezeshkian said, just days before Trump’s return to the White House.
The US and Iran have not had formal diplomatic relations for nearly 45 years, and Trump had previously threatened military action, suggesting that Israel might target Iran’s nuclear facilities.
“We will respond to any action. We do not fear war, but we do not seek it,” Pezeshkian stated regarding the possibility of US-backed Israeli military strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also revealed on Tuesday that European powers are committed to resuming negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program.
In 2015, Iran and world powers, including France, Britain, and Germany, reached an agreement that lifted international sanctions in exchange for restrictions on Tehran’s nuclear activities. However, the US unilaterally withdrew from the deal in 2018 and reimposed stringent sanctions during Trump’s first term.
While Iran had abided by the agreement, it began to scale back its commitments after the US withdrawal.
“We do not seek nuclear weapons or armament,” Pezeshkian emphasized. “However, they accuse us of trying to make a bomb.”
When asked about the possibility of future talks with Trump once he resumes office, Pezeshkian expressed doubt, saying, “The problem is not in the dialogue. It’s in the commitments that arise from talks and dialogue that we’ll have to uphold. The issue is that the other party did not fulfill its promises and obligations.”
