Iran’s New President Calls for US Return to Nuclear Deal, Reiterates Peaceful Intentions

Iran’s newly elected President Masoud Pezeshkian has reiterated his commitment to peaceful nuclear intentions, insisting that Tehran’s enrichment of uranium to near-weapons grade levels was a direct response to the US withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal, The Associated Press reports.

In his first news conference, Pezeshkian stressed that Iran desires the lifting of international sanctions and is open to negotiations.

“We have repeatedly stated that we do not desire to enrich uranium at this level,” Pezeshkian said. “Our aim is to meet our technical and scientific needs, not to develop nuclear weapons. We adhered to the framework of the nuclear deal, and we are still committed to maintaining it. The US tore up the agreement, forcing us to take these actions.”

The president’s comments come as Iran has ramped up uranium enrichment to 60% purity, a short technical step away from weapons-grade levels. While Iran maintains its nuclear program is solely for peaceful purposes, Western nations and the International Atomic Energy Agency have previously alleged that Iran had a military nuclear program prior to 2003.

Pezeshkian has hinted at a possible path forward, stating that Iran is willing to engage in dialogue once the US returns to the nuclear deal.

“If they don’t continue [with the deal], we will not continue,” he added.

Despite recent tensions with the US and Israel, Pezeshkian seems open to dialogue. He has even suggested that negotiations with the US could be a possibility, but only after the US rejoins the nuclear deal.

The president also addressed the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, criticizing Israel’s conduct and calling for its disarmament. He asserted that Iran’s ballistic missile program is a necessary defensive measure and will not be abandoned unless all regional powers disarm.

“We need military power to ensure the security of our people and our country,” he said. “We will not relinquish our defense capabilities until all countries in the region disarm. If America respects our rights, we have no disputes. Do not impose sanctions or threats on us, we will not be intimidated.”