Pezeshkian: We Will Not Retreat from Our Nuclear Rights
WANA (Jun 03) – During the 45th anniversary of the passing of Imam Khomeini—the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran—President Masoud Pezeshkian delivered a firm and unapologetic message regarding Iran’s stance on regional and international developments. Stressing the continuation of the Islamic Republic’s principled approach, he declared: “No threat or incentive can make us relinquish our scientific, technical, or nuclear rights.”
Responding to Western accusations that Iran is pursuing nuclear weapons, Pezeshkian stated: “Iran seeks peace and security, not war or weapons of mass destruction. Those who accuse us are the same ones stockpiling deadly arms in the region, threatening Muslim nations.”
He added that efforts to suppress “knowledge, awareness, and creativity” in the Islamic world reflect enmity not just toward Iran, but toward the future of all independent nations.
Justice: The Prerequisite for Lasting Peace
The Iranian president issued sharp criticism of the United States, Israel, and certain European powers for their role in fueling regional crises, asserting: “As long as justice is ignored, lasting security will remain out of reach. No awakened conscience can stay silent in the face of the killings and looting carried out with the backing of these powers.”
He continued: “Those who claim to defend human rights support the criminal Israeli regime, while telling us we have no right to pursue nuclear science and technology—despite using it to solve our own domestic challenges in agriculture, medicine, and industry.”
Internal Unity Against External Threats
Pezeshkian also addressed what he described as a campaign of division orchestrated by foreign powers: “It is no coincidence that global propaganda machines spend billions spreading rumors, lies, and division within Iran. Today, the United States, Israel, and their agents are actively working to create discord in our country in order to advance their agendas.”
Emphasizing the importance of national unity, he stated: “Our internal cohesion will defeat their ambitions. If the Islamic countries unite, Israel—with its small population—won’t be able to do anything. The U.S. arms Israel to the teeth, then labels Iran as the threat, stirring conflict among Muslims while portraying Israel as the region’s stabilizing force.”
In conclusion, Pezeshkian underlined: “If they truly want peace and security in this region, they must recognize the rights of its people. We will never back down from our right to knowledge, creativity, and peaceful nuclear advancement. Wherever there is science, Muslims must be present; wherever there is innovation, we will be there.”
Iranian negotiating team in U.S. talks. Social media/ WANA News Agency
Pezeshkian’s remarks come as Iran and the United States conclude their fifth round of indirect talks, mediated by Oman, with negotiations still ongoing. These discussions—centered on nuclear issues, sanctions relief, and security guarantees—have taken a markedly different tone compared to previous rounds. Europe, once a key player, has now been sidelined, as the process grows increasingly secretive and security-focused.
Within this context, Pezeshkian’s statements reaffirm that, despite ongoing backchannel diplomacy, the Islamic Republic remains uncompromising in defending what it describes as its “legitimate and expert-based nuclear rights.”
This speech was delivered amid nationwide commemorations marking 45 years since the passing of Imam Khomeini, remembered as a symbol of independence, justice, and resistance in the modern history of the region—values that still dominate the official discourse of the Islamic Republic today.
Ayatollah Khomeini, the former supreme leader of Iran. Social Media / WANA News Agency
