Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian categorically rejected US and Israeli claims that Iran intends to acquire a nuclear weapon, while also arguing that his country is ready to accept international inspections and impose restrictions on its nuclear program, provided that pressure and sanctions from the United States are brought to an end.

In an interview with Fox News during his presence in New York for the UN Summit, the Iranian president responded negatively when asked directly whether Iran wants to acquire a nuclear bomb. “Not at all. Not at all. Our Supreme Leader (Ali Khamenei), whom we consider a martyr and a respected figure, has stated many times that, according to a religious ruling, such a thing is unholy and illegal,” he said, citing religious rulings against weapons of mass destruction.

Pezeshkian’s statement came at a time when Iran’s nuclear program remains shrouded in mystery, as does the issue of uranium enrichment to levels far higher than those required for the peaceful use of nuclear energy. This issue was a key argument used by Donald Trump’s administration for launching Operation “Epic Fury” in February.

“We are ready for inspections”

In his interview, the Iranian president appeared willing to discuss reducing enrichment levels and international monitoring of the program as part of an effort to de-escalate the situation. “Regarding these weapons of mass destruction, we said that we are willing to limit them. It is not a major issue. We are willing to undergo inspections,” he said.

Pezeshkian also referred to the failed memorandum of understanding signed in June with Donald Trump, aimed at ending hostilities and creating a framework for a broader agreement between the US and Iran. As he argued, the agreement had created a framework for further negotiations, maintaining that Tehran remained ready to move forward.

“We had no problem. We reached an agreement with your president. The agreement was signed and, based on it, we are still willing and want to move forward,” he said.

The Iranian president claimed that his country had not closed the Strait of Hormuz and that it had remained open until the US attack. “They attacked us. They murdered and killed our Supreme Leader, scientists, military commanders and government officials,” he said.

Accusations against Washington

Pezeshkian accused the United States of causing the diplomatic process to collapse, while maintaining that Tehran remains ready for an agreement.

“The problem is that America, instead of engaging in dialogue, entered the conflict by bombing us first and closing every avenue. We are ready,” he said, continuing: “They can have free access to see anything we have, but not to put us under such pressure, with blockades and denying us access.”

The Iranian president also placed the blame for the war on the US, arguing that Tehran does not seek to kill Americans. “We do not seek to kill Americans, as demonstrated by our actions. America has sought to kill Iranians,” he said, adding: “What we know is that if we are attacked, we must defend ourselves.”

“We do not want war”

Referring to US military operations and the tightening of sanctions, Pezeshkian said Iran would continue to resist American pressure.

“We will continue to resist. We will find ways and the life of our country will continue. We will remain,” he said, acknowledging that the Iranian economy is facing problems, but stressing that his country is ready to withstand the difficulties. “Yes, we have economic problems, certainly. But in order to survive, we will get through every difficulty and endure.”

Pezeshkian reiterated that Tehran does not want the war to continue, while attributing the start of the conflict to Israel and calling on Washington to decide whether it wants to end the crisis. “We never sought war. We do not want war. I deeply believe that people should not cause the death of other people. But through Israel’s actions, this war was imposed on us,” he said.

Unaware of Chinese satellite data

Pezeshkian was also asked to comment on reports that Iranian forces used Chinese satellite imagery for the deadly attack on a US base in Jordan, in which three American soldiers were killed.

The Iranian president said he was unaware of specific details. “I do not specifically know about these alleged images you are talking about. What the militaries of two countries do is their own affair, within their own frameworks,” he said.

What he said about Mojtaba Khamenei

Pezeshkian also reiterated that Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is in good health and is following developments in the country.

As he said, he had met with him approximately one month earlier and they had spoken for seven hours.

He also said that, although the Supreme Leader is not involved in the state’s day-to-day administrative operations, he continues to provide guidance on the management of political affairs.

Asked about Khamenei’s absence from public life and the fact that he has not addressed Iranian citizens or foreign leaders, Pezeshkian attributed this to security reasons and the circumstances that, as he said, had been created by Iran’s “enemies”.