Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized his country’s commitment to peaceful negotiation and its right to a civilian nuclear program during a speech to naval officials in Bandar Abbas over the weekend. Despite the ongoing diplomatic efforts, no agreement has been reached after four rounds of talks regarding the nuclear program. While both U.S. and Iranian officials have expressed optimism, critical technical details remain unresolved.
“We are not seeking war, we favor negotiation and dialogue, but we are not afraid of threats either, and we will in no way retreat from our legal rights,” President Pezeshkian stated.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi made the government’s position even clearer in a post on X. “Mark my words: there is no scenario in which Iran abandons its hard-earned right to enrichment for peaceful purposes: a right afforded to all other NPT signatories, too.”
Wrapping up a four-day tour of the Gulf, U.S. President Donald Trump suggested that a new deal could bring relief not only from sanctions but also open the door to economic cooperation. “I’ve told Iran, we make a deal,” he said. “You’re going to be very happy.”
In a recent interview, President Trump indicated a possible softening of his stance if negotiations prove successful. “Iran wants to trade with us,” he told Bret Baier. “And I’m OK with it.”
