Trump’s path will 'set fire' to the region, Pezeshkian tells NBC
The Islamic Republic does not seek conflict but would respond forcefully to aggression, said Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in an interview with NBC on Friday.
The Islamic Republic does not seek conflict but would respond forcefully to aggression, said Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in an interview with NBC on Friday.
“We’re not afraid of war. We do not seek war,” he told NBC’s Tom Llamas. “President Trump has said that his administration has come to create peace, but the path that they have embarked upon will set fire to the entire region.”
Iran would never initiate a conflict but would give “the strongest answer” to any attack, Pezeshkian said.
Tehran continues to build its defense capabilities to deter adversaries, he added.
On nuclear issues, he rejected suggestions that Iran is developing weapons, pointing to the Supreme Leader’s fatwa against weapons of mass destruction.
He said inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency were welcome to visit sites in Iran, dismissing reliance on satellite images as insufficient.
Iran has resumed construction at an underground mountain site following US and Israeli strikes on its nuclear facilities, with satellite imagery and analysts indicating the work may reflect efforts to rebuild its damaged nuclear program.
The president also commented on domestic unrest, saying Iranians “have a right to choose” in response to questions about the enforcement of hijab laws. He acknowledged mishandling of Mahsa Amini’s case but accused outside observers of exaggerating Iran’s record while ignoring civilian deaths in Lebanon, Gaza, Yemen, and Syria.
Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has ruled out direct talks with the US on missiles and uranium enrichment.
The president also referred to an injury he sustained during Israeli strikes in June’s 12-day war, saying doctors drained fluid from his knee and that the wound was minor.
