Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian holds a press conference in Tehran. AFP
“We are absolutely not seeking nuclear weapons,” Pezeshkian said in an interview. “If anyone wants to verify this, we are open to such verification to take place.”
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who led Tehran’s delegation in Geneva, said the negotiations had made progress and concluded with principles to guide future discussions toward a potential deal.
Pezeshkian described claims that Iran is pursuing nuclear weapons as politically motivated propaganda and expressed hope that the international community, especially the United States, recognizes this reality.
He also stressed that the country needs nuclear science for medical and technological purposes. “We cannot accept being deprived of using nuclear science and knowledge to save the lives of our patients, advance our industries, and develop our agriculture,” he said.
The president added that Iran is fully prepared for any form of verification of its nuclear program and has no concerns about inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Excerpts of the interview were published by the Iranian Presidency hours after Iranian negotiators held a second round of nuclear talks with US representatives in Geneva. The talks follow earlier discussions in Oman this month, after both sides dialled down rhetoric about a potential military confrontation.
Iran is seeking relief from US sanctions while maintaining its nuclear program for civilian purposes, while the United States is focused on preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons and ensuring strong verification mechanisms.
Washington and its key ally Tel Aviv have also sought to expand the talks to other issues, including Iran’s missile program and support for militant groups, but Iranian officials have resisted linking matters beyond the nuclear file.
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