Iran Says It Has No Nuclear Bomb Ambition
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has denied that Tehran intends to develop a nuclear weapon, saying such weapons are both religiously forbidden and illegal. He also signalled that Iran could accept international verification and dilute its stockpile of highly enriched uranium as part of a future agreement.
Pezeshkian Rejects Iran Nuclear Weapon Ambition
Speaking in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Pezeshkian was asked directly whether Iran wanted a nuclear bomb and rejected the suggestion.
He cited a religious decree previously issued by Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei against weapons of mass destruction, describing nuclear weapons as “unholy” and illegal.
Iran has consistently maintained that its nuclear programme is intended for peaceful purposes.
Iran Offers Uranium Dilution and Verification
Pezeshkian said Tehran was prepared to dilute its enriched uranium and submit its nuclear activities to international verification.
The comments are significant because Iran has enriched uranium to levels substantially above those normally required for civilian nuclear power generation.
The International Atomic Energy Agency has raised concerns over its inability to fully verify Iran’s nuclear material and facilities. Earlier this month, its Board of Governors referred Iran’s safeguards non-compliance to the UN Security Council.
Iran Blames US for Breakdown in Diplomacy
Pezeshkian also accused Washington of choosing military action over negotiations and said Iran’s military response had been defensive.
His comments come as Iranian and American officials pursue mediated discussions aimed at ending their conflict and negotiating a wider settlement.
President Donald Trump has repeatedly said Iran cannot be permitted to obtain a nuclear weapon while maintaining that a negotiated agreement remains possible.
