President Masoud Pezeshkian declared on Wednesday evening that any dialogue with the United States would strictly adhere to the policies set forth by Iran's Revolutionary Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, asserting that Tehran would "not yield to force," particularly concerning its nuclear program.
Speaking to political and social activists in Ilam province, Pezeshkian emphasized Iran's sovereign right to scientific research. "The basis of the talks with the United States is the policies of the Leader of the Revolution, and it is not that we give in to force," he stated, according to IRNA. "We will never accept that our research be reduced to zero and then wait for their approval to receive the nuclear materials needed in industry, medicine, agriculture, and other sciences. Who said that we should not be allowed to conduct scientific research? What business are they to tell us to dismantle our entire nuclear industry?"
While reiterating the Leader's fatwa against nuclear weapons – "we will not make a nuclear bomb, and this is our definitive policy" – Pezeshkian stressed the importance of domestic unity. He added, "If we put aside our differences, the enemies will not have any desire for this land and water."
Pezeshkian, who described himself as "a reformist who believes in principles," framed reforms as necessary for implementing "truth and justice." He emphasized that addressing national problems, including those in resource-rich Ilam, requires practical solutions and broad participation rather than rhetoric. "No problem will be solved by shouting slogans and giving speeches," he said.
The President's comments on international negotiations and national resilience come amid heightened diplomatic activity and regional tensions. Separately, Iran's Ambassador to the United Nations, Sa'eed Iravani, warned in a letter to the U.N. Security Council that Iran could legally withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) if European nations push to reinstate U.N. sanctions. Iravani called such a move "legally unfounded" and a threat to global security, suggesting it was an attempt to pressure Tehran as it negotiates with the U.S. over the 2015 nuclear deal (JCPOA), which Washington unilaterally exited in 2018.
Further underscoring Tehran's assertive posture, Major General Hossein Salami, chief commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), stated on Thursday that Iran is "fully prepared for any scenario" and warned against any military miscalculation by adversaries. "The enemy sometimes threatens us with military action. We have always said—and repeat now—that we are fully prepared for any scenario, under any circumstances," Salami declared.
During his visit to Ilam, part of his seventh provincial tour, Pezeshkian emphasized that negotiations would be conducted "with dignity and pride," demanding Iran's "legal, scientific and international rights." He also highlighted the importance of peaceful coexistence with neighboring countries, referring to them as "our brothers" while accusing external forces of seeking to sow discord.
Photo: Goodfon