Iran does not intend to develop nuclear weapon: Pezeshkian

KABUL (Pajhwok): Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian says his country is not pursuing the development of nuclear weapons and  such a goal has no place within the Islamic Republic’s overarching policies.

However, he emphasised that Iran reserves the right to use nuclear energy and conduct nuclear research for the benefit of its society.

He said this while addressing a session of Iran’s Islamic Consultative Assembly (Parliament) today (Monday), IRNA reported.

Pezeshkian said: “The enemy cannot eliminate our nation through acts of terror and crime. For every hero who lays down the flag, hundreds of others will raise it.”

Underscoring that Iran does not initiate wars, he added that the country now needs national unity and cohesion more than ever before.

“All citizens must stand united in the face of this blatant aggression, setting aside their differences. We are not aggressors; we are defending our legitimate rights,” he stressed.

He continued: “We are entitled to benefit from nuclear energy and scientific research that serve the interests of our society. No one has the right to deny the Islamic Republic this entitlement. We stand firmly in pursuit of this right and are not afraid of any power.”

Pezeshkian clarified that Iran has no intention of acquiring atomic weapons and reiterated that such ambitions are not part of the country’s strategic policy framework.

He also accused the United States of permitting Israel to attack Iran in contravention of international norms.

Tensions between Iran and Israel escalated on Friday morning following an Israeli airstrike on Iran’s nuclear and military installations. In response, Iran launched missile attacks on Israeli territory early Saturday.

The conflict has since intensified, with both nations continuing to exchange aerial and missile strikes into the night, resulting in significant casualties and extensive damage.

kk/ma