Iranian President Warns Trump Against Provoking War

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized that Iran is not pursuing nuclear weapons and cautioned U.S. President-elect Donald Trump against escalating tensions with Tehran, warning that it could lead to "war." In an NBC News interview on Tuesday, Pezeshkian said, "I hope Trump will contribute to peace, not bloodshed or war," just days before Trump’s return to office.

The U.S. and Iran have lacked formal diplomatic ties for nearly 45 years, and during his campaign, Trump suggested Israel could strike Iran’s nuclear sites. In response, Pezeshkian stated, “We do not fear war, but we do not seek it,” adding that Iran would respond to any military action.

On the nuclear front, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed that European nations are serious about resuming nuclear negotiations. In 2015, Iran reached a deal with world powers, including France, Britain, and Germany, that lifted sanctions in exchange for nuclear program limitations. However, the U.S. withdrew from the agreement in 2018 under Trump and reimposed harsh sanctions, prompting Iran to scale back its own commitments.

Pezeshkian reaffirmed, "We do not seek nuclear weapons," but criticized the U.S. for accusing Iran of attempting to build a bomb. Regarding future talks with Trump, he expressed skepticism, stating, "The issue is not dialogue, but the failure of the other party to honor commitments."