TEHRAN, July 24 (Alliance News): Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has declared that Iran is fully prepared for any future war with Israel and remains skeptical about the current ceasefire’s longevity.
In an interview with Qatari broadcaster Al Jazeera, Pezeshkian also reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to its peaceful nuclear program despite international pressure.
President Pezeshkian said, “We are fully prepared for any new Israeli military action. Our armed forces are ready to strike deep into Israel again if necessary.” He added that Tehran is not relying on the ceasefire that ended the 12-day war, stressing that Iran has braced itself for all possible scenarios.
The president criticized Israeli attacks that targeted Iranian nuclear facilities and claimed the lives of top scientists and military officials. “Israel tried to break our leadership, but they have failed,” he said. Pezeshkian claimed over 900 Iranians, many of them civilians, were killed in Israeli strikes in June, while at least 28 Israelis died before the ceasefire on June 24.
Nuclear Program to Continue Peacefully
President Pezeshkian made it clear that Iran will continue its uranium enrichment program within the bounds of international law. “We do not seek nuclear weapons. This is a clear political, religious, humanitarian, and strategic stance,” he said. Responding to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s comments, he stated, “Trump says Iran should not have nuclear weapons – we agree. But we will not accept threats or coercion.”
He emphasized that Iran’s nuclear know-how exists in the minds of its scientists, not just in physical infrastructure. This, he argued, makes the program resilient and irreversible.
Israel Targeted Iranian Leadership
In a significant revelation, Pezeshkian confirmed that he was the target of an Israeli assassination attempt during a Supreme National Security Council meeting in Tehran on June 15. He sustained minor injuries in the incident. “It was part of a broader Israeli plan to destabilize Iran by eliminating its leadership. They failed,” he stated.
No Hostility Towards Qatar
The Iranian president also clarified the recent Iranian missile strikes on the U.S. Al-Udeid military base in Qatar, saying it was not an attack on Qatar itself. “We targeted the U.S. base responsible for bombing our country. We hold no animosity towards Qatar or its people,” he said, adding that he had personally called Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to convey Iran’s position.
Diplomacy Over Conflict
Pezeshkian reiterated his belief in diplomacy and mutual respect. “Any future negotiations should be grounded in fairness and mutual respect – we reject coercion,” he asserted.
His comments were echoed by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi in a separate interview with U.S. network Fox News. Araqchi stated Iran would never abandon its uranium enrichment program but was open to guarantees proving its peaceful nature in exchange for sanctions relief.
Talks with European Powers to Resume
Araqchi also revealed that the extent of damage caused to Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile during recent Israeli attacks is still under assessment. Iran plans to share a full report with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) soon. Although Iran had suspended cooperation with the IAEA following a parliamentary decision, Araqchi said Iran had not completely cut ties and would consider any request for inspections.
In the meantime, negotiations between Iran and European powers—France, Germany, and Britain—are expected to resume in Turkey this Friday. These talks are part of ongoing efforts to revive the 2015 nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
