Masoud Pezeshkian made an important statement amid growing regional tensions to reassure that Iran does not intend to pursue nuclear weapons. These remarks come at a crucial time, with global eyes focused on ongoing military tensions between Iran and Israel and renewed concerns regarding Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.
Pezeshkian stated during a televised interview on Sunday that Iran’s nuclear program is peaceful and conforms to international agreements such as the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). We have stated time after time that nuclear weapons do not belong in our doctrine,” Pezeshkian noted, noting that nuclear activities were being undertaken solely for medical, agricultural and energy-related uses and no weapons programs are currently planned by Iran.
Pezeshkian, a reformist lawmaker and heart surgeon, is one of the leading candidates in Iran’s upcoming presidential election following President Ebrahim Raisi’s tragic death in a helicopter crash last month. His moderate approach contrasts sharply with hardline rhetoric often associated with Iran’s foreign policy.
Tensions between Israel and Iran have reached new levels. Israeli intelligence services have repeatedly accused Iran of enriching uranium beyond civilian needs, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warning of Iran nearing nuclear threshold. Israeli officials have not ruled out preemptive strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities as part of a response strategy.
Pezeshkian rejected such allegations as politically motivated. If there is any concern about Iran’s program, Pezeshkian noted, they welcome international oversight as part of Iran’s cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). He further commented, saying they were ready to rebuild trust but not via threats or coercion.
Western nations, including the U.S. and European Union members, have shown cautious interest in Pezeshkian’s statement and some analysts see it as an opportunity for diplomacy to resume. Negotiations over Iran’s 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which limited their nuclear capabilities in exchange for sanctions relief relief has since come to a halt due to U.S. withdrawal in 2018.
State Department officials in Washington stated they are “closely monitoring the situation” and welcome any signal supporting non-proliferation and peace.
Iranian hardliners have condemned Pezeshkian’s comments as naive and ineffective in times of increased threats, while maintaining that diplomacy, rather than confrontation, should be the path forward. Pezeshkian responded that Iranian people deserve peace, stability and economic opportunities instead of fear and mistrust as being what determines our futures.
As Iran’s election campaign gathers steam and its military standoff with Israel continues, Pezeshkian’s nuclear comments may play a pivotal role not only in shaping domestic politics but also regional diplomacy in coming months.