Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has reiterated that Iran is not pursuing “nuclear weaponry” while cautioning United States President-elect Donald Trump against actions that could lead to war with the Islamic Republic.
Pezeshkian’s remarks were made during an interview with NBC News, broadcast on Tuesday, less than a week before Trump’s return to the White House.
“I do hope that Trump will conduce to peace in the region and the world not, conversely, contribute to bloodshed or war,” Pezeshkian said, urging the incoming U.S. administration to avoid policies that could destabilise the region.
The United States has not had formal diplomatic relations with Iran for nearly 45 years. During his presidential campaign, Trump hinted at potential U.S. support for Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, raising concerns about escalating hostilities.
Addressing the possibility of military action, Pezeshkian stated, “We will react to any action. We do not fear war, but we do not seek it.”
On the same day, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi indicated that European powers were keen to resume negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program. This follows a period of heightened tensions stemming from the U.S.’s withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action in 2018.
The JCPOA, a landmark agreement reached in 2015 between Iran and global powers, including France, Britain, and Germany, eased international sanctions on Tehran in exchange for limitations on its nuclear activities. However, the U.S. under Trump’s first administration unilaterally exited the deal, reimposing harsh economic sanctions.
Iran initially complied with the terms of the agreement but began scaling back its commitments following the U.S. withdrawal.
Pezeshkian firmly denied accusations that Iran was developing nuclear weapons. “We do not seek to create nuclear weaponry or armament,” he said. “However, they accuse us of seeking the manufacturing of a bomb.”
When asked by NBC News host Lester Holt about the possibility of engaging in talks with Trump after his return to power, Pezeshkian expressed scepticism.
“The problem we have is not in dialogue. It’s in the commitments that arise from talks and dialogue that we’ll have to commit to,” he said, emphasising that past agreements were undermined by a lack of U.S. adherence. “It was the other party that did not live up to its promises and obligations.”
As tensions between Washington and Tehran remain high, the possibility of renewed negotiations hinges on mutual trust and commitment. Pezeshkian’s remarks underline Iran’s insistence on a peaceful resolution while cautioning against actions that could escalate into conflict. The world now watches to see how the Trump administration will approach relations with Iran in the coming months.