Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on May 24, 2026, that Tehran is not seeking nuclear weapons [1].
The statement comes as the international community monitors the stability of the Middle East and evaluates the progress of ongoing negotiations between the U.S. and Iran. Pezeshkian's remarks aim to counter long-standing accusations that the Islamic Republic is pursuing a nuclear arsenal while attempting to maintain a diplomatic channel with global powers.
Speaking in Tehran, Pezeshkian expressed a willingness to provide guarantees to the world regarding Iran's nuclear intentions [2]. "We are ready to assure the world that we are not seeking nuclear weapons," Pezeshkian said [3].
Despite the offer of assurance, the president maintained a firm stance on the terms of engagement with foreign powers. He emphasized that Iran would not compromise its national dignity for the sake of an agreement. "We do not engage in diplomacy with humiliation," Pezeshkian said [4].
He further noted the difficulties associated with confronting a global superpower. "If we stand against the strongest power in the world, we must accept the hard ..." Pezeshkian said [4].
The president also shifted focus toward regional tensions, accusing Israel of fueling instability across the Middle East [5]. By framing the nuclear issue alongside regional security concerns, the Iranian leadership seeks to position its program as a peaceful endeavor while highlighting the actions of its adversaries.
The reports were disseminated via the ISNA news agency and other regional outlets, reflecting a coordinated effort by the Pezeshkian administration to project transparency and stability to the West [1, 2].
“"We are ready to assure the world that we are not seeking nuclear weapons."”
This reiteration of non-nuclear intent serves as a strategic diplomatic signal during a period of high-stakes negotiations. By combining an offer of assurance with a refusal to accept 'humiliating' terms, Pezeshkian is attempting to balance international pressure for non-proliferation with domestic requirements for strong leadership. The simultaneous accusation against Israel suggests that Iran intends to link its nuclear status to broader regional security grievances in future talks.
