Pezeshkian: Iran Would Not Have Joined NPT If It Sought Nukes
NEW DELHI — President Masoud Pezeshkian has said that Iran would not have joined the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) if it had intended to develop nuclear weapons, while insisting that the country will not be forced into submission by U.S. pressure.
Speaking to India Today on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in New Delhi, Pezeshkian said Iran’s nuclear activities have been subject to extensive international monitoring and inspections and have remained within the framework of international law.
“We were ready, and they would come every day to inspect and visit. We were working and are working within the framework of international laws. If we were seeking nuclear weapons, we would not have become a member of the NPT,” he said.
Pezeshkian said allegations over Iran’s nuclear program are being used as “pretexts” to justify aggression against the country.
Pezeshkian said Iran does not seek war, while making clear that sanctions and pressure, including restrictions affecting food and medicine, will not force the country to surrender.
In a separate message on X, he questioned why the United States would attack civilian infrastructure and restrict access to basic necessities rather than confront Iran’s military forces directly.
“If Americans are warriors, let them face our valiant military forces. Why wage war on civilian infrastructure, food supplies, and livelihoods?” he said.
Pezeshkian also used the BRICS summit to call for greater economic integration among member states, particularly through wider use of national currencies in trade. He said economic security is an integral part of national and regional security.
On regional relations, Pezeshkian said Iran maintains friendly ties with neighboring countries including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Qatar, as well as with Russia and China. He identified U.S. military bases in the region as a major source of instability.