Western accusations against Iran atomic prog. baseless

Pezeshkian made the remarks in an interview with Fox News on September 28 when he was in New York to address the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, discussing Iran’s nuclear program, the US-Israeli 12-day imposed war, future ties with the United States, Human rights issues, as well as regional and international developments.

When asked about nuclear weapons, the president said that the Islamic Republic assigns no place for nuclear weapons in its doctrine. “We are fully prepared to assure the world that we are not and will not seek nuclear weapons in any way. However, the actions taken against us by them [Israeli regime and the United States] have been contrary to all their commitments and principles.”

In response to a question about Iran’s enrichment of uranium up to 60 percent, Pezeshkian acknowledged that such levels may not be necessary for regular energy use. However, he emphasized that this enrichment occurred under strict international monitoring before the United States unilaterally violated the 2015 nuclear deal.

The president said, “It was the United States that withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which was the agreement we were adhering to and under which monitoring was being conducted within the framework of the IAEA.”

Pezeshkian added, “After the US withdrawal from the JCPOA, European companies that had come to Iran for cooperation were forced to leave one by one. They did not fulfill any of the commitments they had made. When they failed to honor their obligations, our experts naturally continued their work outside those frameworks.”

Elsewhere in his remarks, Pezeshkian discussed the future of relations with the United States, emphasizing, “Currently, there is a prevailing sense of distrust within our country, arising from the bad faith and failure of the other side to adhere to its commitments. This distrust has led our statesmen, particularly His Eminence the Leader, to believe that the US does not genuinely wish to resolve the issue. Instead, it seems to intend, especially through its support for Israel, to encourage unrest within our country and the region.”

Addressing questions about why Iran continues to invest in nuclear energy instead of focusing on domestic welfare, the president emphasized that it is US sanctions and hostility—not Iran’s peaceful nuclear activities—that have harmed the economy.

“Of course, we seek a better economy. However, since the very beginning of the Islamic Revolution, the US has attempted to prevent Iran from becoming self-sufficient. Initially, it fueled tribal and ethnic conflicts, then supported Saddam Hussein’s war against Iran. Later, it backed terrorist groups that assassinated our politicians and activists. This hostility has never ceased,” Pezeshkian stated.

He reiterated that Iran’s nuclear program has always been peaceful and is intended to meet scientific and energy needs.

Referring to the 12-day war imposed by the Israeli regime, the president said, “The 12-day war of aggression has fortified our country’s strength and unity, as evidenced by the special respect that our athletes, scientists, university students, and schoolchildren show for our flag and national anthem in international forums.”

Pezeshkian expressed his wish for peace and security in the Middle East, adding that the Israeli regime should change its current trajectory, emphasizing that this regime could not have carried out its human rights violations without the approval of the United States.

He emphasized that the Israeli regime has violated laws that are unacceptable under any international framework. “In addition to targeting our institutions and martyring our scientists, it has also attacked our people. Unfortunately, the Zionist regime adheres to none of the frameworks of international law and receives support from certain countries. This is absolutely unacceptable. The level of hatred that has developed towards the Zionist regime worldwide is unprecedented and exceptional.”

When asked about reports of Israeli infiltration and intelligence operations inside Iran, Pezeshkian pointed to Tel Aviv’s aggressive policies, adding, “This clearly indicates that the Zionist regime is an aggressor. This regime operates completely outside the frameworks of international law; isn’t that enough evidence to understand that it is the main source of instability in the region? This regime has attacked Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Iran, and even Qatar, indicating that it has truly been the origin of unrest in the region.”

In response to a question about the future of the region and the ability of the Israeli regime to coexist with neighboring countries, Pezeshkian said that this issue depends on the actions of the Israeli regime and how it treats the people in the region.

He emphasized that this matter cannot be resolved simply through discussions, affirmations, or denials, adding that the ongoing confrontation and the deep-seated animosity that have developed among the people in the region will not dissipate easily.

“If Israel wants to remain in the region, it must observe legal and humanitarian frameworks,” Pezeshkian said.

When asked about Iran’s regional allies, such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and Yemen's Ansarullah, the president dismissed Western claims that these groups act out of extremism, emphasizing that resistance movements are a natural response to Israeli oppression.

“Why do we have Hamas? Why do we have Hezbollah? Are they acting out of madness? Certainly not. When people are driven from their homes, when their houses are demolished, and when they face daily humiliation, any human being would react,” Pezeshkian stated.

He strongly rejected the narrative that Iran fuels instability through "proxies", insisting that Tehran merely supports oppressed nations.

In his remarks, Pezeshkian emphasized Iran’s friendly relations with neighboring countries, adding, “Our relations with neighboring countries have significantly improved. They used to think Iran was a source of regional instability, but we have declared that we are friends and brothers with all neighbors, respect the territorial integrity of all countries, and do not interfere in the internal affairs of other nations within the framework of international law. We desire to live in peace and tranquility with the world."

“The one who has made the region insecure is the Zionist regime; that regime has attacked other countries, not Iran. We have not attacked and will not attack any country. We merely defend ourselves,” he added. 

The president also noted, “Iran believes that dialogue is more effective than war. Dialogue is the best means to resolve issues within the framework of international law. Conflicts arise when these laws are disregarded, and countries act as they please, imposing their will through force. However, if nations work together based on international frameworks and agreements, and operate within those guidelines, war should fundamentally be avoided.”

The president also addressed the issue of women’s rights, emphasizing their active role in both Iranian society and government. 

“In Iran today, women enjoy much more freedom than outsiders believe. In my administration alone, five women hold senior positions. We will continue to work for equal rights for everyone, including women. What Western intelligence presents about Iran is very different from the reality of daily life,” Pezeshkian said, inviting observers to visit Iran and witness the reality firsthand./mehr