Iran‘s President Masoud Pezeshkian has warned that his country is fully prepared for any war Israel might wage against it, while affirming Tehran’s commitment to continuing its nuclear program for peaceful purposes. In an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera, Pezeshkian expressed skepticism about the ceasefire between the two nations, stating, “We are not very optimistic about it.” He emphasized Iran’s readiness for any possible scenario, saying, “We have prepared ourselves for any potential response.”
Pezeshkian highlighted the mutual harm inflicted by both countries during the recent conflict, noting that Israel’s strikes aimed to eliminate Iran’s hierarchy but “completely failed to do so.” He also addressed the attempt on his life, describing it as part of an Israeli plan to target Iran’s political leadership and create chaos.
Regarding the nuclear program, Pezeshkian insisted that Iran’s uranium enrichment activities would persist, albeit within the framework of international laws. “Our nuclear capabilities are in the minds of our scientists and not in the facilities,” he said, dismissing claims that Iran’s nuclear program is over as “just an illusion.” This stance is consistent with previous remarks by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who emphasized that Tehran would never abandon its uranium enrichment program but is open to negotiations.
The development of Iran’s nuclear abilities has raised concerns among Western nations, which are seeking a solution to Iran’s nuclear ambitions. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has reported that Iran’s nuclear program has made significant progress, with the country accumulating a stockpile of enriched uranium that could potentially be used for nuclear weapons.
Key Points in the Iran Nuclear Deal Controversy:
- Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA): The 2015 agreement limits Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief.
- Nuclear Enrichment: Iran has continued to enrich uranium, exceeding the limits set by the JCPOA.
- IAEA Monitoring: The IAEA has struggled to monitor Iran’s nuclear activities due to Tehran’s restrictions.
- Talks with European Powers: Iran is set to hold talks with France, Germany, and the UK to discuss its nuclear program and potential sanctions.
In light of these developments, the international community remains cautious about Iran’s nuclear ambitions and the potential implications for regional and global security.