Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian announced that nuclear weapons have no place in the country's doctrine and that it is not seeking to acquire such weapons, which is stated in a fatwa (in Islam, a decision on a given issue made by a cleric – ed. note) issued by the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, the Iranian news agency IRNA reported, quoted by BTA.
Pezeshkian commented on the issue in an interview with Oman TV, which he gave during his official visit to the country on May 27 and 28. The interview was published on the official website of the presidency last night.
„If the United States wants to be sure that the Islamic Republic is not trying to acquire nuclear weapons, it should know that there is such a guarantee that stems from our religious beliefs. "Based on a fatwa from the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Iran has never developed and will never seek to develop or acquire nuclear weapons," President Pezeshkian said.
He added that he was ready to guarantee to the world that Iranians are not developing nuclear weapons, but at the same time stressed that his country would not give up its right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes.
“We will never stop enriching uranium for the purposes of diagnosis and treatment, healthcare, agriculture and industry, because this is our right guaranteed by international laws,“ Pezeshkian announced, emphasizing that no one can forbid Iran from maintaining its nuclear program, because science belongs to all people who have the opportunity to use technology and scientific achievements.“
“Therefore, we will not succumb to pressure to stop enriching uranium. Resistance is an honor for the Islamic Republic and we will continue to insist on our position.“
Pezeshkian positively assessed Oman's role in mediating during the indirect talks between Iran and the US, saying that the Arab state continues its attempts to achieve favorable results for both sides.
The Iranian president said that Ayatollah Khamenei expressed his gratitude for Muscat's constructive role, affirming Oman's ability to facilitate and smooth the negotiation process.
Pezeshkian rejected accusations that Iran threatens regional security, saying that Israel is the main source of instability in West Asia.
“Israel and those who claim to protect human rights have killed our scientists. "Those who bomb and kill women, children, the elderly and other civilians in the region accuse Iran of terrorism," Pezeshkian said, stressing that those who are the real source of insecurity in the region have no right to threaten Iran.
"Iran defends its own dignity and that of the Islamic world, works for peaceful relations with all countries in the world, but will not succumb to pressure and harassment," President Pezeshkian added.
He also called on Islamic countries to seek cooperation in the spirit of peace, security and brotherhood to promote the development of their economies, industries, science and culture. Pezeshkian called on Muslim leaders to engage in dialogue to prevent discord in the Islamic world.
Emphasizing the significant human resources, natural wealth, cultural heritage and ancient civilization, he said that Islamic countries have the potential to become influential players on the international stage.