Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has declared that his country will not bow to U.S. pressure over its nuclear program, denouncing what he described as America’s “irrational and bullying” stance.
Speaking during a cabinet session, Pezeshkian criticized Washington’s approach to the ongoing nuclear issue, emphasizing that Iran had consistently sought a fair and transparent resolution.
A statement posted on the presidential office’s official website quoted Pezeshkian as saying: “We reject and condemn the imposition of any restrictions and sanctions.” He further noted that Iran has always been open to dialogue based on mutual respect and reason.
“We have always expressed our readiness for rational and fair dialogue that is based on clear criteria,” he said, stressing that Iran’s position remains rooted in dignity and national pride. “We will continue the path of dignity proudly.”
The president reiterated that Iran has never pursued the development of nuclear weapons, pointing to a religious edict issued by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, which forbids the creation and use of atomic arms.
“We will never acquiesce to a negotiation that entangles us in new problems and issues,” he added, making it clear that Tehran will not accept what it sees as one-sided or coercive terms.
In July 2015, Iran entered into the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) with major world powers, agreeing to limit its nuclear activities in exchange for relief from international sanctions. However, the United States withdrew from the agreement in 2018 and reinstated sanctions, prompting Iran to gradually reduce its compliance with some of the deal’s terms.
Most recently, on September 19, the United Nations Security Council was unable to pass a resolution to extend sanctions relief tied to the JCPOA. A follow-up resolution that aimed to grant a six-month extension for both the nuclear deal and the associated Resolution 2231 also failed to secure approval.
