Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has strongly criticized US President Donald Trump, accusing Washington of attempting to deny Iran what he described as its legitimate nuclear rights, according to Iranian state media reports.
Speaking amid renewed diplomatic tensions, Pezeshkian questioned the legal and moral basis for US demands restricting Iran’s nuclear activities, asking what wrongdoing Iran had committed to justify such pressure.
The Iranian leader reiterated Tehran’s longstanding position that its nuclear programme is peaceful and fully aligned with international regulations governing civilian nuclear technology. He emphasized that no country has the authority to unilaterally prevent another state from accessing nuclear science permitted under global agreements.
Pezeshkian’s remarks come as a direct response to increasing US pressure aimed at curbing Iran’s uranium enrichment and broader nuclear capabilities. Iranian officials argue that Western demands effectively seek to weaken the country’s scientific progress and energy independence, while Washington insists strict limits are necessary to prevent the development of nuclear weapons — an accusation Tehran firmly rejects.
The president also stressed that Iran intends to safeguard its sovereignty without pursuing confrontation, maintaining that Tehran does not seek escalation or conflict despite mounting regional tensions.
The dispute over Iran’s nuclear programme has persisted for more than two decades, intensifying after the United States withdrew from the landmark 2015 nuclear deal during Trump’s previous administration and reimposed sweeping sanctions on Tehran.
Efforts to revive or replace the agreement have repeatedly stalled since then. Western governments accuse Iran of exceeding enrichment thresholds established under earlier arrangements, whereas Iranian authorities maintain that uranium enrichment remains a sovereign right under international law for energy generation, medical research, and technological advancement.
Against this backdrop, diplomatic engagement between Washington and Tehran appears to be regaining momentum. Representatives from both countries are now expected to meet in Islamabad, where security measures have been significantly tightened.
Authorities have increased surveillance, restricted movement in sensitive areas, and suspended sections of public transport as preparations continue for the anticipated talks. Foreign delegations have already begun arriving at Nur Khan Airbase in Chaklala, Rawalpindi, signalling the likely start of another round of high-stakes diplomacy between the two longtime adversaries.
