Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian Tells U.S.: Tehran Won’t Abandon Nuclear and Missile Programs

Tehran : Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has delivered a strong message to the United States, saying that while Tehran seeks peace, it will not be forced to abandon its nuclear and missile programs.

According to international media reports, President Pezeshkian stated that Iran is willing to hold talks within an international framework, but not under conditions that undermine its sovereignty or self-defense capabilities.

“We are ready for dialogue under fair terms, but not when we are told that we cannot possess nuclear science or defensive missiles — otherwise we’ll be bombed,” he said.

The Iranian leader emphasized that his country desires peace and stability in the world but will not accept any form of coercion or pressure from global powers.

He criticized Western nations for what he called double standards, pointing out that while the U.S. and its allies arm Israel, they expect Iran to refrain from developing defensive weapons.

“They provide Israel with weapons, yet tell us we cannot have missiles to defend ourselves — and then they bomb us whenever they wish,” Pezeshkian added.

The remarks come amid ongoing tensions between Tehran and Washington, as well as reports that former U.S. President Donald Trump had previously claimed Iran was seeking relief from American sanctions.