Newsletters
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian declared Monday that Iran does not intend to develop nuclear weapons but will pursue its right to nuclear energy and research while calling for national unity against Israel amid escalating conflict between the two nations.
"We are not seeking nuclear weapons," Pezeshkian told parliament, reiterating Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's religious edict against weapons of mass destruction.
Addressing parliament following Israeli strikes that killed senior military commanders and nuclear scientists, Pezeshkian urged citizens to set aside internal differences.
"Every difference, issue, and problem that has existed must be put aside today and we must stand strong against this genocidal criminal aggression with unity and coherence," the Iranian president said.
"Today, more than ever, we need solidarity and cohesion. All Iranians must come together and stand firmly against this act of aggression," he emphasized.
Pezeshkian asserted Iran's right to benefit from nuclear energy and research serving national interests.
"We stand firm in achieving this right and fear no power in securing what is rightfully ours," he stated.
"No one has the right to deny this right to the Islamic Republic."
The Iranian president's comments come as Israel argues its assault on Iran's military leaders and uranium enrichment sites was necessary to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
Pezeshkian condemned the Israeli strikes that killed numerous Iranian officials and civilians early Friday morning.
"The enemy cannot remove us or our nation from the scene through violence, killings, and assassinations," he said. "For every hero who falls, hundreds more will rise to carry the flag and stand against the oppression, injustice, crimes, and betrayal committed by these aggressors."
On the social media platform X, Pezeshkian emphasized Iran's defensive position: "We have never been and are not aggressors, but hand in hand, we stand strong against the brutal criminal."
The president accused the U.S. of "resorting to bullying, violating international norms by allowing Israel to attack and invade our country," while maintaining that Iran has never sought or initiated war.
"What crime did a scientist commit to deserve being murdered, along with his family, by someone from the other side of the world?" Pezeshkian asked.
2 min read
