Iran Denies Pursuit of Nuclear Weapons, Vows to Defend ‘Legitimate Rights’ to Nuclear Energy

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian has reaffirmed the country’s longstanding official opposition to developing nuclear weapons, even as military confrontations with Israel and the United States have intensified and drawn international scrutiny to Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.

Speaking in the wake of a fragile ceasefire with Israel, President Pezeshkian underscored that Iran’s policy, rooted in a religious decree by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, “categorically rejects possessing or developing nuclear weapons.” Pezeshkian emphasized, “Anyone whose stance contradicts this clear position has no place in Iranian politics."

TASS, Russian news agency reports that while reiterating Iran’s opposition to nuclear arms, Pezeshkian also declared that the Islamic Republic would use force if necessary to defend its “inherent right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy.” He stated, “We have the right to benefit from nuclear energy and related research, which are useful for our country and society. This is the inherent right of the Iranian people. No one can take it away from the Islamic Republic. We will use force to protect this right."

Tensions in the region escalated sharply after Israel launched “Operation Rising Lion” targeting Iranian nuclear infrastructure and military assets on June 13. Iran retaliated with strikes against Israeli targets, leading to casualties and damage on both sides, though officials described the destruction as limited.

On June 22, the United States entered the conflict, launching “Operation Midnight Hammer” with air and missile strikes on three key Iranian nuclear facilities: Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. The U.S. described the operation as a “very successful attack,” though the full extent of the damage remains unconfirmed. Iran responded by attacking a U.S. base in Qatar, further raising fears of broader conflict.

The rapid escalation has alarmed world leaders. The foreign ministers of France, Germany, and the UK, along with the EU’s High Representative, met with Iran’s foreign minister in Geneva on June 20. In a joint statement, they expressed “grave concerns” over the situation and reiterated their commitment to Israel’s security. The ministers called for restraint and a negotiated solution to ensure Iran never acquires a nuclear weapon, highlighting their worries about Iran’s expanding nuclear program, which they say “has no credible civilian purpose."

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has also voiced concerns. Director General Rafael Grossi warned that attacks on nuclear facilities could have “grave consequences within and beyond the boundaries of the State which has been attacked,” and called for maximum restraint and continued diplomatic efforts."

As the region transitions from active conflict to a tentative ceasefire, the international community is urging renewed negotiations and strict oversight of Iran’s nuclear activities. The IAEA continues to monitor the situation closely and has reiterated its readiness to provide technical assistance to ensure nuclear facilities are used exclusively for peaceful purposes.

While Iran maintains its official opposition to nuclear weapons, the growing stockpile of enriched uranium and recent military escalations have intensified global concerns, making the path to a diplomatic resolution more urgent than ever.