Pezeshkian, in a conversation held in New York, analyzed the current state of relations between Iran and the United States as well as the country's nuclear program. He stated that the Islamic Republic has never sought to build a nuclear weapon and is ready to negotiate limitations on its nuclear program within the framework of the Non-Proliferation Treaty.
Trust Challenges in Iran-U.S. Relations
Pezeshkian, in response to the host's question about a meeting with Donald Trump, the former President of the United States, referred to the existing lack of trust between the two countries. He said that the U.S. withdrawal from the JCPOA and attacks by the U.S. and Israel on Iran's nuclear facilities have created an atmosphere of distrust. Pezeshkian emphasized that for any negotiations or meetings, it must be clarified what topics the two sides will reach an understanding on and whether written agreements will be implemented or not.
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Nuclear Negotiations and International Inspections
Furthermore, Pezeshkian pointed out that the issue of nuclear inspections should be agreed upon in new negotiations, but he did not agree to the immediate return of inspectors under previous arrangements. He also referred to international pressures and sanctions, calling them inhumane, which have primarily impacted ordinary people. Pezeshkian added that the Islamic Republic has never sought a nuclear weapon and considers the production of nuclear weapons to be forbidden based on a fatwa from the former leader.
Pezeshkian also, in response to questions about the suppression of protests and the human rights situation in Iran, stated that some innocent individuals have lost their lives, but at the same time, he referred to armed individuals who participated in the protests and claimed that these protests had political objectives.
Relations with Washington and American Prisoners
Numerous questions were raised about two American citizens who have been detained in Iran. In this regard, Pezeshkian referred to the failure of the U.S. to fulfill its commitments regarding the release of Iran's assets and stated that releasing these individuals alone cannot rebuild trust. He emphasized that the Islamic Republic is not seeking war, but will defend itself if threatened.
This interview ultimately concluded with an emphasis on the necessity of rebuilding trust between the two countries and implementing previous agreements. Pezeshkian stated that Iran is seeking a diplomatic resolution to existing issues and hopes that in the future, conditions will progress in a way that allows for new agreements to be reached.
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