Iranian President Pezeshkian Rejects Nuclear Bomb Aspirations, Blames US for Regional Conflict and Vows Economic Resilience

Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian firmly denied Tehran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons during an exclusive interview on Fox News’ “Special Report,” while placing blame for ongoing Middle Eastern tensions squarely on the United States.

Asked directly whether Iran seeks a nuclear bomb, Pezeshkian responded unequivocally: “Not at all. Not at all. Our martyred, esteemed supreme leader had announced several times that from a religious decree, it is unholy. It is illegal,” referencing religious edicts opposing weapons of mass destruction.

President Masoud Pezeshkian spoke to Brett Baier on “Special Report” (Fox News)

The president’s public denial comes as Iran faces sustained international scrutiny over its nuclear program and uranium enrichment activities that exceed civilian energy needs.

During the interview, Pezeshkian indicated Tehran’s willingness to reduce uranium enrichment levels and accept international verification measures to ease nuclear tensions.

“So that weapon’s mass destruction. We said we’re willing to dilute them. It’s not a big deal. We are willing to submit ourselves to verification,” he stated.

He referenced a previously signed memorandum of understanding with President Donald Trump aimed at halting hostilities, though acknowledging its limited success.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, left, and President Donald Trump. (Majid Saeedi/Getty Images; Jose Luis Magana/AP)

“We have no problems. We did reach an agreement with your president,” Pezeshkian said regarding the framework deal.

However, he criticized what he characterized as American aggression, particularly citing military strikes and economic sanctions as obstacles to diplomatic progress.

“The problem is that America, instead of conducting dialog, they descend into the arena by bombing us first, by blocking every pathway. We are ready,” Pezeshkian asserted.

This satellite image provided by Maxar Technologies shows a close view of the Isfahan nuclear site in Iran on Monday, June 22, 2025, after U.S. strikes ordered by President Donald Trump. (Joe McNally/Getty Images; Maxar Technologies via AP)

Regarding U.S. military operations and expanding sanctions, Pezeshkian declared Iran’s commitment to continued resistance despite economic hardships.

“This is something that has been the doing of the United States,” he said. “We will keep resisting. We will find ways, and the life of our country will continue. We will remain.”

“Yes, we do have economic issues, certainly. But in order to remain, we will go through any hardship and endure,” he added.

Pezeshkian emphasized Iran’s preference for diplomatic solutions while assigning primary responsibility for regional instability to Washington.

“We will stand resolutely to defend ourselves. We never sought war. We do not seek war,” he said, though acknowledging Israeli involvement in escalating tensions.

“But we do not wish to continue. It’s America that must choose whether it wants to end this or not.”

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, speaks during a gathering of public relations officials in Tehran in May, 2026. (Foad Ashtari/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

When questioned about reports involving Iranian forces utilizing Chinese satellite imagery in a deadly attack on a U.S. base in Jordan, Pezeshkian denied specific knowledge.

“I’m specifically unaware of these purported images that you talk about,” he said, while noting that military interactions between nations operate within established protocols.

“Now, what do militaries do with one another between two countries? It is their own business within their own guidelines,” Pezeshkian explained.

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