Iran Says Not Seeking Nuclear Weapons, Only Asserting Its 'Legitimate Rights'

Last Updated:June 24, 2025, 23:43 IST

Iranian President stated that Iran is not aiming to build nuclear weapons but will defend its right to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian. (AFP photo)

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday said that his country is not aiming to build nuclear weapons but will continue to defend its “legitimate rights" to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.

Speaking during a phone call with the President of the United Arab Emirates, Mohammed bin Zayed, Pezeshkian stressed that Iran does not want conflict but will not back down from its rights.

“We are have never sought to acquire nuclear weapons and does not seek them," Pezeshkian said, according to Iran’s official news agency, IRNA. “We expect you to explain to them, in your dealings with the United States, that the Islamic Republic of Iran is only seeking to assert its legitimate rights."

He added that Iran was open to resolving nuclear-related issues through dialogue. “We are ready to address the concerns at the negotiating table," he said.

The comments come at a time of high tension in the region. On Tuesday, both Iran and Israel said they would honour a ceasefire deal that was first announced by US President Donald Trump.

Israel said it had agreed to the ceasefire after achieving all its military goals. Iran initially did not confirm its acceptance but later said it would also respect the truce—so long as Israel did not break it.

“If the Zionist regime does not violate the ceasefire, Iran will not violate it either," Pezeshkian said.

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News world Iran Says Not Seeking Nuclear Weapons, Only Asserting Its 'Legitimate Rights'