Iran does not intend to acquire nuclear weapons, but considers its right to continue uranium enrichment non-negotiable, according to statements made by the country’s president, Masoud Pezeskian, ahead of talks with the U.S. this afternoon in Switzerland.
This statement by the Iranian president comes at a particularly critical juncture, as Tehran and Washington are attempting to keep communication channels open regarding the country’s nuclear program.
“This is nothing new, and we can also state in writing that we have no intention of building the bomb,” said Masoud Pezeskian, according to the Iranian presidency’s website.
At the same time, he made it clear that his country’s position on the issue of enrichment remains unchanged. “However, we will not renounce our right to enrichment,” he added.
What Tehran is citing
The Iranian side maintains that this activity is covered by the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), which it has signed.
According to Tehran’s interpretation, the treaty recognizes the right of member states to use nuclear energy for peaceful and non-military purposes, including uranium enrichment under specific conditions.
