Pezeshkian: We Did Not Seek War and We Will Defend Iran’s Nuclear Rights
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian criticized the direct American support for Israel in the ongoing war, asserting that his country did not seek to ignite this conflict and reaffirming Iran’s right to benefit from nuclear energy and research.
During a speech in a parliamentary session broadcast by the IRNA agency, Pezeshkian emphasized that Tehran has not left the negotiation table but engaged in indirect talks with international parties, stating, “We have never sought to possess nuclear weapons, and this is a firm commitment for us.”
The Iranian president attacked U.S. policies, arguing that Washington aims to blackmail and bypass international laws by supporting Israeli military operations against Iran. He added that his country fully has the right to develop its nuclear and research programs in ways that serve the interests of the Iranian people, asserting that Iran will defend this right vigorously and will not yield to any threats.
Pezeshkian called for dealing with the Iranian people in accordance with international laws, pointing out that his country faces aggression today that requires national unity. He stated, “We need to be more cohesive than ever, and we must set aside our differences to confront this criminal aggression and genocide.”
The Iranian president confirmed that Iranian scientists are targeted because they defend their homeland, stressing that Iran’s defensive and missile capabilities prevent Israel from carrying out broader strikes.
Pezeshkian urged Islamic and regional countries to take a clear stance against Israel, noting that his country did not start this war and has not assassinated its leaders or scientists, but has always been in a position of defense.
These remarks followed unprecedented Israeli military strikes on targets within Iran early on Friday, in an operation dubbed “Rising Lion,” which targeted military leaders, scientists, nuclear facilities, and missile bases, claiming that Tehran is nearing possession of nuclear weapons.
Concerns have escalated about the potential widening of the conflict in the region with exchanges of strikes between both sides, as sources reported that Iranian officials informed Qatari and Omani mediators that Tehran rejects any negotiations regarding a ceasefire before addressing its response to the Israeli attack.
A source told Reuters that Iran has communicated to the mediators that it will not engage in serious negotiations as long as it is under attack, emphasizing that the Iranian response will come first.
In contrast, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed openness to the mediation of his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in the ongoing dispute, indicating that he received a call from Putin expressing readiness to mediate, which was later confirmed by Russian investment envoy Kirill Dmitriev, stating that Moscow could play a “key role” in containing the escalation.
Trump noted that the United States remains outside the direct conflict, but did not rule out American intervention at a later time if necessary.
