Tehran, April 8, 2025 – The Europe Today: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Monday reiterated the Islamic Republic’s commitment to peaceful dialogue and diplomacy, while urging the United States to demonstrate sincerity in its approach to negotiations.
“We are not seeking war, tensions, or nuclear weapons; we are seeking negotiations,” President Pezeshkian said in a televised address. “However, the Americans must also prove that they are genuinely pursuing negotiations.”
While emphasizing Iran’s openness to talks, President Pezeshkian made clear that Tehran will not engage in negotiations “at any cost.” He stressed that Iran’s position is grounded in principles of mutual respect and the pursuit of peaceful solutions, not capitulation under pressure.
The president reaffirmed that Iran’s nuclear program remains strictly peaceful in nature, citing a binding fatwa (religious decree) issued by the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei. The decree explicitly prohibits the production, possession, and use of nuclear weapons, forming the foundation of the country’s nuclear doctrine.
“This is not merely a political declaration—it is a religious obligation that governs our approach to nuclear capabilities,” Pezeshkian stated.
The remarks come amid renewed speculation over the future of Iran-U.S. relations. Former U.S. President Donald Trump, who unilaterally withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) during his first term, has recently called for direct negotiations with Tehran to establish a new agreement. However, he has simultaneously issued threats, including the possibility of military action should talks fail.
In response, Iranian officials have consistently ruled out direct negotiations under conditions of pressure or coercion, while signaling a willingness to engage in indirect diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving outstanding issues.
President Pezeshkian’s statement reflects a continued Iranian stance that prioritizes diplomacy rooted in mutual respect and international norms, as well as a rejection of aggressive rhetoric or threats as a basis for engagement.
