Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated in a Fox News interview on Thursday that Iran does not seek nuclear weapons and characterized its enrichment of uranium as not a significant issue, while proposing measures to reduce tensions over its nuclear program.
Pezeshkian’s remarks came during an exclusive interview with Bret Baier on Special Report, where he was directly asked whether Iran seeks a nuclear bomb. He responded, “Not at all. Not at all.” The president cited a religious decree issued by Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, which he described as prohibiting weapons of mass destruction. Pezeshkian added that Iran is willing to dilute its enriched uranium and submit to international verification as part of efforts to ease concerns.
During the interview, Pezeshkian also blamed the United States for ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, asserting that Washington has blocked diplomatic solutions. He referenced a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed with former U.S. President Donald Trump in June, which he claimed aimed to halt hostilities and establish a framework for broader U.S.-Iran agreements. Pezeshkian stated that the MOU was finalized and implemented, though he did not provide further details on its current status.
The president’s comments follow long-standing international scrutiny of Iran’s nuclear activities, particularly its enrichment of uranium to levels far exceeding those used for civilian purposes. Iran has repeatedly denied seeking nuclear weapons, despite concerns raised by Western governments and international inspectors. Pezeshkian’s proposal to lower enrichment levels and allow inspections marks a potential shift in Iran’s approach to negotiations, though the specifics of such measures remain unclear.
Reactions to Pezeshkian’s statements varied. Some analysts noted that his willingness to engage in verification and dilution could signal a temporary easing of tensions, while others emphasized that Iran’s past actions and lack of transparency have eroded trust in its nuclear program. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has previously reported discrepancies in Iran’s declarations, including undeclared nuclear material and restricted access to certain sites.
Pezeshkian’s interview also touched on broader geopolitical tensions, with the president accusing the U.S. of undermining regional stability. He did not elaborate on how Iran’s nuclear program might be linked to these conflicts, nor did he address recent military escalations in the Middle East. The interview concluded without further clarification on the timeline or conditions for Iran’s proposed measures.
Background: Iran’s Nuclear Program
Iran’s nuclear program has been a point of contention for decades, with the country maintaining that its activities are for peaceful purposes under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), commonly known as the Iran nuclear deal. The JCPOA, signed in 2015, imposed limits on Iran’s uranium enrichment and nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief. However, the U.S. withdrew from the agreement in 2018 under President Trump, and Iran has since gradually exceeded the deal’s enrichment limits in response to renewed U.S. sanctions.
The IAEA has repeatedly called for Iran to provide full transparency regarding its nuclear activities, including access to sites where undeclared nuclear material has been detected. Iran has denied allegations of military intent, attributing its enrichment activities to civilian energy needs and medical research. Despite these assurances, the IAEA has stated that Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium continues to grow, raising concerns about its potential to develop nuclear weapons rapidly if it chooses to do so.
Next Steps
The international community has yet to respond formally to Pezeshkian’s proposals. The IAEA and Western governments have indicated that any meaningful progress would require verifiable actions, including unrestricted inspections and a halt to enrichment activities beyond civilian needs. The European Union and other stakeholders have reiterated their commitment to diplomacy but have also warned that further violations of nuclear agreements could trigger additional sanctions or military responses.
Pezeshkian’s interview did not provide a clear timeline for Iran’s proposed measures, leaving open questions about whether his statements reflect a genuine policy shift or a tactical maneuver to reduce pressure. Analysts suggest that the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether Iran’s rhetoric translates into concrete steps toward de-escalation.