Iranian President Pezeshkian makes statement on nuclear weapons

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian made statements to the US press in New York, where he arrived to attend the United Nations (UN) General Assembly.

Speaking on nuclear negotiations with the US, relations with Western countries, the lifting of sanctions, and recent tensions with Israel in the region, Pezeshkian said that they favor peace and stability in foreign policy, not tension. Noting that Iran approaches foreign policy with a formula of mutual respect and win-win, Pezeshkian said, "As a government, our goal in foreign policy is to improve relations with neighboring countries and resolve regional problems by creating a common understanding of security. In this context, we want to develop constructive and healthy relations with all countries of the world. We aim to bring peace and tranquility instead of wars and bloodshed."

"THE ASSASSINATION WILL DEFINITELY NOT GO UNANSWERED"

Referring to the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh by Israel in Iran's capital, Tehran, Pezeshkian said, "Haniyeh, who was a guest of our country at my presidential inauguration ceremony, was killed by Israel with the aim of spreading and expanding the war to the region. The assassination of Haniyeh will definitely not go unanswered. When Israel attacked our Consulate in Damascus, we gave the necessary response to Israel despite the support of all Western countries and the US, and we proved this to the whole world. We say that the spread of war to the region will not be in the interest of any country. Our support for the Palestinian people is due to our support for the oppressed. It is the Zionist Israeli regime that wants to expand the war in the region and is seeking war," he said.

"IRAN HAS NO INTENTION OF BUILDING NUCLEAR WEAPONS"

Touching upon the nuclear negotiations with the US and the talks regarding the lifting of sanctions imposed on Iran, Pezeshkian said, "When I was a member of parliament, I supported the nuclear deal despite all objections. We passed this agreement through our parliament and we have always remained committed to our obligations under the agreement. It was Donald Trump who violated the agreement and withdrew from it. Heavy economic sanctions began to be imposed on Iran. We will never negotiate by bowing to pressure. Iran has no intention of building nuclear weapons, and weapons of mass destruction have no place in our foreign policy doctrine," he said.

Pezeshkian stated, “We are ready to return to our commitments under the agreement, but it is unacceptable for the US and Western countries to expect us to return to the deal while they do not adhere to their own commitments.”

News Source: İHA