Iran's President Pezeshkian denies pursuing nuclear weapons and highlights regional tensions

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Wednesday told the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York that the country is not pursuing nuclear weapons under the orders of its leadership or religious authorities.

He described Israeli and U.S. attacks on Iran in June as “a grave betrayal of diplomacy” and highlighted incidents in Tehran, including the assassination of scientists, breaches of state sovereignty, and targeting of national leaders.

Pezeshkian also criticised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, noting that external powers have not succeeded in creating divisions within Iran. He added that despite sanctions and media pressure, Iranians have remained united behind their armed forces.

The president cited Israel’s actions in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen as examples of regional destabilisation.

Tensions over Iran’s nuclear programme escalated after Israel launched a surprise attack on Tehran in June, targeting military, nuclear, and civilian sites, as well as senior military commanders and nuclear scientists.

Tehran responded with missile and drone strikes, while the U.S. bombed three Iranian nuclear sites. The 12-day conflict ended on 24 June under a U.S. -mediated ceasefire.

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