Iran’s President Affirms Desire for Negotiations on Nuclear Program

In Tehran, Iran’s newly appointed reformist president expressed on Monday that Tehran did not intend to enrich uranium to near-weapons grade levels, but felt compelled to do so due to the U.S. withdrawal from the nuclear deal with global powers. President Masoud Pezeshkian, during his first news conference, reiterated his commitment to trying to lift international sanctions on Iran. Uncertainty looms over the extent of Pezeshkian’s room for negotiation and the future U.S. administration. Pezeshkian emphasized that Iran is not seeking nuclear weapons and aims to meet its technical and scientific requirements within the framework of the nuclear deal that was breached by the U.S.

He asserted that Iran’s uranium enrichment to 60% purity is a technical advancement in close proximity to weapons-grade levels but reiterated that Iran’s nuclear program is peaceful. Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, indicated a willingness for potential negotiations with perceived adversaries, paving the way for indirect talks between Iran and the U.S. facilitated by Oman and Qatar. Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s new foreign minister, played a significant role in negotiating the 2015 deal.

Tensions between Iran and Israel escalated during the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza, with Iran launching an unprecedented drone and missile strike on Israel in April. The long-standing animosity between the two countries intensified, notably with Israel’s suspected attack on an Iranian consular building in Syria resulting in casualties. The assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran in July, allegedly by Israel, prompted Iran to issue threats of retaliation against Israel.

Regarding Iran’s ballistic missile arsenal, Pezeshkian emphasized that Iran will not relinquish its defense capabilities unless regional disarmament occurs. He called for Israel to disarm while underscoring Iran’s commitment to maintaining military strength for national security. Pezeshkian urged the U.S. to respect Iran’s rights without imposing sanctions or threats, signaling a desire for mutual understanding and non-aggression.