Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian categorically denied that Tehran is pursuing nuclear weapons and said his country is prepared to submit its nuclear program to international verification, during an exclusive interview Thursday on Fox News’ “Special Report.”
Asked directly by host Bret Baier whether Iran wants a nuclear bomb, Pezeshkian rejected the premise outright.
“Not at all. Not at all. Our martyred, esteemed supreme leader had announced several times that, from a religious decree, it is unholy. It is illegal,” he said, citing religious edicts prohibiting weapons of mass destruction.
Iran Signals Openness to Verification and Dilution
The public denial comes amid sustained international scrutiny of Iran’s nuclear program, which has enriched uranium to levels far exceeding those needed for civilian power generation. This enrichment activity became President Donald Trump’s stated rationale for launching Operation Epic Fury in February.
Pezeshkian indicated Tehran would consider lowering enrichment levels and permitting outside verification as part of broader efforts to reduce nuclear tensions.
“So, that weapon’s mass destruction. We said we’re willing to dilute them. It’s not a big deal. We are willing to submit ourselves to verification,” he said.
Failed Memorandum of Understanding Cited
The Iranian president referenced a memorandum of understanding signed by him and Trump in June, intended to halt hostilities and establish a framework for a comprehensive U.S.-Iran agreement. The deal included a 60-day process toward a final accord.
“We have no problems. We did reach an agreement with your president,” Pezeshkian said. “That agreement was signed, and, based on that, we are willing and still wish to move forward.”
He noted that the Strait of Hormuz remained open without legal justification for closure at the time of the agreement.
“They attacked us. They assassinated and martyred our esteemed supreme leader, our scientists, our military commanders and government,” Pezeshkian said, criticizing Washington for the subsequent breakdown in diplomacy.
Iran Accuses US of Blocking Dialogue
Pezeshkian placed responsibility for the nearly seven-month regional conflict squarely on Washington, arguing that the United States chose military action over diplomacy.
“The problem is that America, instead of conducting dialogue, they descend into the arena by bombing us first, by blocking every pathway. We are ready,” he said. “This is not the way to conduct yourself on the world stage. They can have free access to see whatever we have, but not to put us under such pressure, under blockades, deny us access.”
He rejected characterizations of Iran as seeking to harm Americans.
“We do not seek to kill Americans, as shown by actions, demonstrable actions. America has sought to kill Iranians,” Pezeshkian said. “What we know is that if we’re attacked, we must defend ourselves.”
Defiance on Sanctions and Military Pressure
Addressing U.S. military strikes, including Operation Outcast, and escalating secondary sanctions, Pezeshkian vowed continued Iranian resistance.
- “We will keep resisting. We will find ways, and the life of our country will continue. We will remain.”
- “Yes, we do have economic issues, certainly. But in order to remain, we will go through any hardship and endure.”
- “If America thinks that they can keep sanctioning us, we have nothing to do, nor do we consider any type of American elections.”
He added that Tehran sees no difference in U.S. policy before or after elections, stating that if the current American government wishes to reach an agreement within international legal frameworks, Iran is willing.
War Responsibility and Regional Tensions
Pezeshkian repeated that Iran does not seek war while blaming Israel for provoking the conflict and placing responsibility on Washington to end it.
“We will stand resolutely to defend ourselves. We never sought war. We do not seek war,” he said. “I deeply believe that humans should not cause the death of another human. But with the instigations conducted by Israel, they have imposed this war on us.”
“But we do not wish to continue. It’s America that must choose whether it wants to end this or not.”
Denial of Satellite Imagery Allegations
Pezeshkian also responded to reports that Iranian forces used Chinese satellite imagery to conduct a deadly strike on a U.S. base in Jordan, which killed three American service members.
“I’m specifically unaware of these purported images that you talk about,” he said. “Now, what do militaries do with one another between two countries? It is their own business within their own guidelines.”
