.png)
3 hours ago
1
According to report, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that Iran was not pursuing “nuclear weaponry” and cautioned U.S. President-elect Donald Trump against provoking a “war” with the Islamic republic, according to a televised interview aired on Tuesday.
“I hope that Trump will contribute to peace in the region and the world, not to bloodshed or war,” Pezeshkian said in an NBC News interview, just days before Trump returns to the White House.
The U.S. has not had formal diplomatic relations with Tehran for nearly 45 years, and during his recent presidential campaign, Trump threatened that U.S. ally Israel could target Iranian nuclear facilities.
“We will react to any action. We do not fear war, but we do not seek it,” Pezeshkian commented on the possibility of military strikes by Israel on Iran’s nuclear sites with U.S. support.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on Tuesday that European powers are serious about resuming negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program.
In 2015, Iran reached an agreement with world powers, including France, Britain, and Germany, which resulted in a reduction of international sanctions on Tehran in exchange for limitations on its nuclear activities.
However, during President Trump’s first term, the United States unilaterally withdrew from the agreement in 2018 and reinstated severe economic sanctions.
Although Tehran complied with the deal until the U.S. pulled out, it began scaling back its commitments afterward.
“We do not aim to develop nuclear weapons or military armament,” said Pezeshkian. “Nevertheless, they accuse us of attempting to build a bomb.”
When NBC News anchor Lester Holt asked if Iran would consider talks with Trump should he return to office, the Iranian leader expressed doubt.
“The issue is not dialogue itself, but the commitments that would arise from such talks,” Pezeshkian explained, adding, “The problem was that the other party did not fulfill its promises and obligations.”
English (US)