Iran has no intention of developing nuclear weapons, but will defend its right to peaceful nuclear energy and scientific research. This was stated by the country's President Massoud Pezeshkian, quoted by Reuters, reports BTA.
He confirmed the validity of the religious decree (fatwa) of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, which categorically prohibits the production and use of weapons of mass destruction.
Tensions between Iran and Israel sharply increased after Israeli air strikes on June 13, targeting military and nuclear sites on Iranian territory. In response, Khamenei threatened retaliatory action. Britain has called on both sides to exercise restraint and stressed that it will not support Israel in any further conflict.
US President Donald Trump has meanwhile urged Tehran to resume talks on its nuclear programme "before it is too late". Iran, however, has said that under the current circumstances it sees no point in such talks.
In response to the Israeli attacks, Tehran has retaliated with missile and drone strikes. The two countries have been exchanging attacks in recent days, with the risk of a wider regional conflict remaining high.