Egypt Daily News – Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reaffirmed on Sunday that “Iran considers any tension, turmoil, or conflict to be harmful to itself, the region, and the world.”
During a phone call with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, Pezeshkian stated that “Iran has never sought to develop nuclear weapons, based on the fatwa of the Supreme Leader,” emphasizing that “the Zionist entity is the main cause of tension and crises in the region,” according to Iran’s Tasnim News Agency.
Pezeshkian explained that “Iran has consistently cooperated with the International Atomic Energy Agency to verify the peaceful nature of its activities,” stressing that “Iran’s policy is based on de-escalation and strengthening regional unity. However, it will not tolerate any threat to its security and interests and will respond with strength and determination.”
The Iranian president added that “the Zionist entity ignites wars and commits crimes and genocide against the oppressed Palestinian people,” adding that “the Zionist entity seeks to fabricate lies to portray our nuclear activities as a source of instability.”
Iran’s permanent mission to the United Nations stated that “Tehran will not discuss dismantling its nuclear program.”
The Iranian mission clarified that “Tehran may consider holding talks regarding concerns about the possible military use of its nuclear program,” emphasizing that “if the purpose of the negotiations is to address concerns about the militarization of Iran’s nuclear program, then that can be discussed.”
It added, “If the negotiations are intended to dismantle the nuclear program so they can claim they achieved what Obama failed to do, that will not happen,” stressing that “Iran will continue to strengthen its defensive capabilities to the extent that its enemies will not even dare to think of threatening it.”
U.S. President Donald Trump stated that he is seeking to reach an agreement with Iran regarding its nuclear program but warned that “the time available for negotiations is running out.”
In an interview with Fox News on Sunday, Trump said, “I have sent a message… and I would like to reach an agreement with them that is as effective as a military solution, but the truth is that time is running out.”
Regarding military spending, Trump explained that he would like to reduce it but does not believe the time is right, adding, “I would have been happy to cut defense spending, but not now.”
He continued, “There are two ways to deal with Iran: one is military, and the other is through an agreement, and I prefer the agreement.”
According to Trump, “If we are forced to intervene militarily against Iran, it will be disastrous for them,” emphasizing, “I do not seek to harm Iran; the Iranian people are wonderful.”
Last Friday, Trump revealed that he had sent an official message to the Iranian leadership, proposing nuclear talks and stressing that “negotiation would be a much better option for Tehran than military confrontation.”
It is worth noting that in 2018, during his first term, Trump withdrew from the nuclear agreement and reimposed severe sanctions on Iran. In February, he relaunched the “maximum pressure” policy in an attempt to completely halt Iranian oil exports.
