Iran President denies nuclear weapon pursuit amid parliamentary NPT withdrawal proposals

During a visit to India, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated in an interview with India Today that the Islamic Republic is not seeking nuclear weapons, arguing that Iran would not have joined the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) if such weapons were its goal. He emphasized that Iran’s nuclear program operates under strict international oversight and dismissed allegations of weaponization as pretexts for aggression.

This presidential stance contrasts with recent developments in the Iranian Parliament. Representative Hosseinali Hajidolegani reported that several lawmakers have signed a proposal for an expedited withdrawal from the NPT, arguing that nuclear deterrence has become an “unavoidable necessity” for the country. Hajidolegani also called for conducting necessary tests to achieve nuclear capabilities.

Separately, Pezeshkian discussed regional stability, noting friendly relations with neighbors such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE. He characterized BRICS as a mechanism to counter US unilateralism and highlighted the growing bilateral ties between Iran and India, specifically mentioning the importance of the Chabahar transit route.