Masoud Beizakian: We Did Not Seek War and We Will Defend Iran’s Right to Nuclear Energy
Iranian President Masoud Beizakian criticized U.S. support for Israel in the ongoing conflict, affirming that his country did not seek to ignite this clash and reiterating Iran’s right to benefit from nuclear energy and research.
In a speech delivered during a parliamentary session reported by the “IRNA” news agency, Beizakian emphasized that Tehran has not left the negotiating table, but has entered indirect talks with international parties, stating, “We have never sought to possess nuclear weapons; this is a steadfast commitment for us.”
The Iranian president attacked U.S. policies, arguing that Washington aims to coerce and bypass international laws by supporting Israeli military operations against Iran. He added that his country has every right to develop its nuclear and research programs in the interests of the Iranian people, asserting that Iran will defend this right strongly and will not submit to any threats.
Beizakian called for engagement with the Iranian people in accordance with international law, noting that his country faces an aggression that requires national unity. He said, “We need to be more united than ever; we must set aside our differences to confront this criminal aggression and genocide.”
The Iranian president confirmed that Iranian scientists are targeted for defending their homeland, stressing that Iran’s defensive and missile capabilities prevent Israel from conducting wider strikes.
Beizakian urged Islamic and regional countries to take a clear stance against Israel, noting that his country did not instigate this war or assassinate its leaders or scientists, and has always been on the defensive.
These remarks followed an unprecedented series of military strikes launched by Israel on targets inside Iran early Friday, in an operation dubbed “Rising Lion,” targeting military leaders, scientists, nuclear facilities, and missile bases, alleging that Tehran is close to acquiring nuclear weapons.
Concerns have surged over the escalating conflict in the region amid exchanges of strikes between the two sides. Sources reported that Iranian officials informed Qatari and Omani mediators that Tehran refuses any negotiations regarding a ceasefire before it completes its response to the Israeli attack.
A source told Reuters that Iran informed the mediators it would not enter serious negotiations as long as it is under attack, and that the Iranian response would come first.
In contrast, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed openness to mediation by his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in the ongoing conflict, noting that he received a call from Putin indicating his willingness to mediate, a point later confirmed by Russian investment envoy Kirill Dmitriev, stating that Moscow could play a “key role” in containing the escalation.
Trump indicated that the United States remains outside the direct conflict but did not rule out U.S. intervention at a later time if necessary.
