President Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran is prepared to continue negotiations with the United States over its nuclear program and other disputed issues, but stressed that rebuilding trust and Washington's practical adherence to agreements are essential for diplomacy to move forward. He added that Iran does not seek war but will defend itself against threats or attacks.
Speaking to American television broadcaster CBS News during his visit to New York for the 81st UN General Assembly, President Pezeshkian outlined Iran's positions on nuclear negotiations, regional developments, relations with Washington, sanctions and domestic issues.
He said Iran had previously reached understandings with the United States but that the process was disrupted by the other side's failure to honor its commitments. According to the president, Tehran remains ready to negotiate within international law and the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), including over nuclear monitoring mechanisms.
President Pezeshkian said Iran has never sought nuclear weapons and argued that disagreements over inspections could be addressed through negotiations and an agreed framework. He criticized the bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities, saying they had been subject to international monitoring, and questioned the legal basis for attacking such sites.
Asked about direct talks with US President Donald Trump, President Pezeshkian pointed to a deep climate of mistrust following the US withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear agreement and subsequent military attacks during diplomatic contacts. He said Iran needs practical evidence that Washington is committed to agreements and is not seeking to overthrow the Iranian government.
Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, the president said the two sides could return to an earlier framework if Washington accepted the arrangements previously discussed. He maintained that implementation should proceed through mutual commitments and dialogue.
President Pezeshkian also addressed the regional situation, saying Iran wants peace and does not seek conflict with neighboring countries. He called for disputes to be resolved through dialogue, mutual respect and adherence to international rules, adding that regional states could cooperate to develop the region.
On economic sanctions, President Pezeshkian criticized measures affecting ordinary people, particularly patients, the elderly and the poor, and called for an approach based on justice and respect for human rights.
He also discussed domestic unrest and casualties, acknowledging that innocent people had been killed while arguing that armed groups had contributed to the violence.
President Pezeshkian said Iran remains committed to diplomacy, but would not accept coercion or surrender under pressure, stressing that Iran wants disagreements resolved peacefully and through mutual respect.
The president further said he had met twice with Iran's new Supreme Leader and held a seven-hour meeting with him, describing him as being in good physical health. He said Iran's diplomatic approach is coordinated with the Leader and that a six-member team from the military, parliament and government has been authorized to discuss and implement decisions.
President Pezeshkian said Iran's decision to attend the UN General Assembly was not made under pressure and rejected reports that he had been confined to a shelter during the war imposed by the US and the Israeli regime. He said he continued holding meetings with government ministers and officials while avoiding exposure to potential attacks.
On the detention of two US citizens in Iran, the president questioned whether releasing them would rebuild trust, citing previous instances in which Iran fulfilled commitments but the United States did not reciprocate.
Addressing threats against Trump and his family, President Pezeshkian said that if the Iranian government intended to pursue such actions, it would not be sitting at the negotiating table.
President Pezeshkian also said Iran wants peace with neighboring countries and has no intention of creating disputes with them. He said regional countries could work together to develop the region and resolve differences through dialogue and mutual respect.