“We Are Prepared for Any War with Israel, But Have No Plans to Halt Our Nuclear Program” – Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian

“We Are Prepared for Any War with Israel, But Have No Plans to Halt Our Nuclear Program” – Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian
[Tehran, July 23, 2025] — Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has issued a clear and firm message, stating that his country is fully prepared for any war with Israel and will continue its nuclear program, including uranium enrichment. In an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera, he emphasized that the program is intended solely for peaceful purposes and there are no plans to stop it.

This marks President Pezeshkian’s first public statement following the recently concluded 12-day bloody conflict with Israel. During the confrontation, the United States directly intervened in support of Israel and launched attacks on several Iranian nuclear facilities. However, Western sources report that the actual damage was relatively limited, contrary to U.S. claims.

“Ready to Retaliate Against Israel”

President Pezeshkian stated, “We are fully prepared to counter any military action by Israel. Our armed forces are also ready to deliver a powerful counterstrike inside Israel.”
He warned that the situation remains uncertain despite the ceasefire. “We are not optimistic. They attacked us severely, and we entered their territory and took revenge — something they refuse to publicly acknowledge.”

“The Nuclear Program Will Not Be Halted Under Any Circumstances”

Pezeshkian asserted that Iran will continue its nuclear program in compliance with international law. He said, “Trump said Iran should not possess nuclear weapons — we agree. Because we oppose nuclear weapons. This is our religious, humanitarian, and strategic position.”
He firmly added, “Our capability is not limited to any facility — it resides in the minds of our scientists.”

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Fox News that Iran will never abandon its uranium enrichment program. However, he said, “If the U.S. lifts sanctions, a peaceful agreement can be reached.”

Pezeshkian also revealed that on June 15, Israel attempted a covert assassination during a secret meeting in Tehran. Though slightly injured, he survived. In his words, “They aimed to assassinate our military and political leadership to create chaos, but they failed.”

When the United States attacked Iran’s nuclear facilities, Iran responded by striking the U.S. Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar. However, President Pezeshkian clarified that this was not an attack against Qatar or its people. He said, “We clearly conveyed this to Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim in a phone call.”

Dialogue With Europe Resumes

Foreign Minister Araghchi stated that Iran has maintained its relationship with the IAEA and will soon provide information regarding nuclear damage. He said, “If the IAEA observer team wishes to inspect, it will be considered carefully.”

A meeting is scheduled this Friday in Turkey between Iran, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. The European side has warned that if Iran does not return to negotiations, international sanctions may be reimposed