WASHINGTON:Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that Iran is not pursuing nuclear weapons and cautioned U.S. President-elect Donald Trump against escalating tensions with the Islamic Republic, warning that it could lead to “war.” Pezeshkian made these remarks in a televised interview with NBC News on Tuesday, just days before Trump’s return to the White House.
“I hope that Trump will contribute to peace in the region and the world, not to bloodshed or war,” Pezeshkian said. He expressed concern over the possibility of U.S.-backed Israeli military strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, adding that while Iran does not seek war, it would respond to any actions against it.
The U.S. has not had formal diplomatic ties with Iran for nearly 45 years, and during his recent campaign, Trump had suggested that Israel might target Iranian nuclear sites. Pezeshkian emphasized, “We do not fear war, but we do not seek it.”
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reported that European countries are serious about resuming talks over Iran’s nuclear program. In 2015, Iran signed a nuclear deal with major world powers, including France, Britain, and Germany, lifting international sanctions in exchange for restrictions on Iran’s nuclear activities. However, the U.S. under Trump withdrew from the agreement in 2018 and reinstated severe economic sanctions.
Since the U.S. pulled out, Iran has begun to scale back its compliance with the terms of the agreement. Pezeshkian reiterated, “We do not aim to create nuclear weapons or armament,” despite accusations that Iran is pursuing nuclear bomb production.
When asked about the possibility of talks with Trump upon his return to power, Pezeshkian expressed doubt. “The issue is not dialogue itself, but the commitments that come from it,” he explained, noting that previous negotiations faltered because the other side failed to uphold its promises.
