United Nations (TDI): Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian told the UN General Assembly on Wednesday that his country has no intention of developing nuclear weapons, as a deadline looms for the possible reinstatement of international sanctions.
“I hereby declare once more before this assembly that Iran has never sought and will never seek to build a nuclear bomb. We do not seek nuclear weapons,” Pezeshkian said in his address.
His remarks come just days before September 27, when Britain, France and Germany (the E3) are set to conclude a 30-day process to reimpose UN sanctions, accusing Tehran of failing to comply with the 2015 nuclear agreement. That accord was designed to curb Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief.
The European powers have indicated they could delay the sanctions for up to six months if Iran restores full access for UN inspectors, addresses its stockpile of enriched uranium, and re-engages in negotiations with Washington.
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Pezeshkian denounced the E3’s move as “illegal” and carried out “at the behest of the United States,” adding, “They set aside good faith, circumvented legal obligations, and sought to portray Iran’s lawful remedial measures as a gross violation.”
Western governments, along with Israel, have long accused Iran of using its nuclear program to mask weapons ambitions. Tehran insists its activities are peaceful and solely for energy and medical purposes.
Despite last-minute talks on the sidelines of the General Assembly, gaps remain between Iran and the E3 over conditions to avert the “snapback” of sanctions. Iran has signaled it will not make concessions under pressure, while Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has ruled out direct negotiations with the United States under threat.
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If no extension is reached by Saturday, sanctions will return automatically. The measures include an arms embargo, bans on uranium enrichment and missile-related activities, global asset freezes, and travel restrictions on Iranian officials.
Earlier this month, Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) struck a deal to resume inspections at nuclear sites. IAEA chief Rafael Grossi confirmed on Tuesday that inspectors are ready to head to Iran if a breakthrough with the E3 is achieved this week.
