Iran vows to uphold pursuit of peaceful civilian nuclear energy
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Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian (centre) greeting Oman Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi (far right) at a diplomatic forum in Tehran, Iran, on May 18.
PHOTO: AFP
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TEHRAN – Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said his country will not abandon its pursuit of civilian nuclear energy under any circumstances, while reiterating that Tehran has no intention of developing nuclear weapons.
“We won’t give up on peaceful nuclear energy by any means,” Mr Pezeshkian said in remarks aired on state TV on May 18.
The Iranian President was speaking at a diplomatic forum in Tehran attended by Oman Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi, who has been mediating ongoing nuclear talks between the US and Iran aimed at securing a new agreement over the Islamic Republic’s atomic work.
His comments come as the rhetoric between Iranian and US officials intensifies. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on May 17 branded US President Donald Trump a liar and accused him of power abuse.
Mr Trump is trying to compel Iran to dismantle its nuclear programme – a condition Iranian officials warn could jeopardise the negotiations – and has threatened military action if talks to reach a new deal collapse.
“We’re not seeking war with anyone. We say they should recognise our rights,” Mr Pezeshkian said. “We have the right to conduct peaceful nuclear research and use it. We need this science for health, agriculture, and industry.”
Mr Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s Foreign Minister and lead negotiator in the talks, had previously said Tehran would not renounce its right to enrich uranium at home but is open to temporary limits to show its nuclear programme is peaceful. BLOOMBERG
