Pezeshkian hits back at US, Israel over nuclear programme, Hormuz and Gaza

In an interview with India Today, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian rejected US allegations regarding Iran's nuclear programme, stating, "If we were, uh, seeking nuclear weapons, we wouldn't have become a member of NPT." He affirmed that Iran works within international principles under regular monitoring and reiterated that the country's leadership has repeatedly stated Iran is not seeking nuclear weapons. Pezeshkian questioned international inaction regarding Israel's nuclear arsenal and condemned military actions in Gaza and Lebanon, highlighting civilian casualties and the blockade of essential supplies.

In an interview with India Today, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian assessed Iran's standing six months into confrontation with the United States. He stated that military actions and aggression from Washington have unified the Iranian population and the broader region, remarking, 'what the US did, it made us more united.' Pezeshkian stated that the US envisioned conquering Iran within twenty-four hours to establish a puppet government, similar to its actions in other nations, but failed to break societal resistance. He explained that after military and infrastructure attacks were thwarted, the US resorted to economic blockades affecting food and medical supplies, calling these actions inhumane. He rejected Western allegations regarding Iran seeking weapons of mass destruction, questioning Western human rights claims amid ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon while civilian trade and essential supplies remain under sanction.

Among those seen travelling together were Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

During his visit to India for the BRICS summit, Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian addressed key geopolitical developments, bilateral relations, and regional connectivity in an exclusive interaction. Pezeshkian highlighted deep-rooted cultural ties between Iran and India while emphasizing expanded cooperation on Chabahar Port to strengthen regional trade networks. He outlined the role of the BRICS bloc in challenging unilateral sanctions, promoting a multipolar economic order, and reducing reliance on the US dollar. Addressing tensions involving the United States and Israel, Pezeshkian stated that Iran is defending itself against aggression, accusing foreign entities of state terrorism, striking regional infrastructure, and enforcing economic blockades. On nuclear policy, Pezeshkian denied allegations regarding nuclear weapons, reaffirmed Iran's compliance with the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), and criticized international double standards regarding Israel's nuclear program. Furthermore, he noted diplomatic engagements with regional partners like Oman concerning maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz and asserted that external pressures will fail to weaken the nation.