Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has affirmed Tehran's willingness to engage in negotiations regarding its nuclear program, provided they adhere to the framework of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and internationally recognized principles. In an exclusive interview with India Today Group Editor (Foreign Affairs) Geeta Mohan, Pezeshkian vehemently denied allegations that Iran is actively seeking nuclear weapons.
The Iranian leader also challenged the veracity of evidence presented by the United States and Israel to substantiate their claims against Iran, dismissing such accusations as mere propaganda.
Commitment to NPT and Monitoring
Pezeshkian underscored Iran's membership in the NPT as a foundational element of its stated position, asserting that this affiliation directly contradicts any notion of pursuing nuclear armaments. He stated, “If we were seeking nuclear weapons, we wouldn't have become a member of NPT. Now they are bringing about alibis and pretexts to attack our soil.”
He further emphasized that Iran's nuclear activities have consistently operated within established international regulations and have been subjected to rigorous and extensive daily monitoring by international bodies. Pezeshkian maintained that despite the intense scrutiny, Iran has always conducted its work within the framework of international principles.
Trust Deficit with the US
Amid ongoing tensions, Pezeshkian ruled out an immediate return to direct talks with Washington, citing a severely damaged trust between the two nations. He highlighted that the killing of Iran’s former Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, during a past conflict on February 28, created a profound crisis of trust. This event, he explained, has made it exceedingly difficult for Iranian society to simply resume negotiations with the United States.
The Iranian President stressed the imperative of re-establishing an atmosphere of trust, insisting that Tehran requires assurance that the US will honor its commitments in any future agreements.
History of Negotiations and Alleged US Breaches
Pezeshkian recalled previous rounds of negotiations where Iran had actively participated, even returning to the negotiating table after the conflict began. He claimed that the two sides were close to reaching an agreement before the US allegedly attacked Iran again. Following this, he stated, Tehran reached an understanding and signed a memorandum of understanding, which he then alleged the US subsequently abandoned.
Iran's consistent position, according to Pezeshkian, remains the lifting of sanctions and a cessation of attacks by the US. He reiterated that while Tehran does not seek war, it is prepared to respond decisively to any aggression against its territory.