In a major development, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has declared that Tehran is ready for any war Israel may start, while also asserting that Iran’s uranium enrichment program will not be stopped, though it will continue for peaceful purposes.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera, Pezeshkian emphasized that Iran has no faith in the recently established ceasefire and is fully prepared for further conflict. His remarks follow the 12-day war with Israel last month, during which the United States launched airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in support of Israel.
Western countries have raised fresh concerns over Iran’s nuclear ambitions, especially after it was revealed that the US strikes may have done less damage than previously claimed.
“We are completely ready for any fresh military adventure by Israel,” Pezeshkian stated. “Our armed forces have the capability to strike deep into Israeli territory again if necessary.”
Pezeshkian expressed skepticism about the ceasefire agreement and said Iran is not placing its trust in it.
“We’re not optimistic about the truce. That’s why we’ve made preparations for every scenario. Israel has hurt us, and we’ve responded equally. They’ve attacked us hard, and we’ve returned the blow inside their own borders. But Israel is hiding the full scale of its losses.”
The Iranian president acknowledged that Israel’s targeted operations, which included the killing of top military commanders and scientists, as well as attacks on sensitive nuclear sites, aimed to dismantle Iran’s leadership structure — a mission he said had “completely failed.”
According to Iranian sources, over 900 people were killed in Iran, including a large number of civilians. Meanwhile, at least 28 people died in Israel before the ceasefire was enacted on June 24.
Peaceful enrichment to continue under international law
President Pezeshkian strongly defended Iran’s decision to move forward with uranium enrichment, asserting it falls within the boundaries of international regulations and has no military intentions.
“[Former US President Donald] Trump says Iran should never obtain a nuclear weapon — and we agree,” he said. “We oppose nuclear weapons based on political, religious, strategic, and humanitarian principles.”
He added that Iran will never bow to pressure or threats and insists that diplomatic negotiations must be grounded in mutual respect and benefit.
“This idea that our nuclear project is over is nothing but a fantasy. Our capabilities lie not just in our facilities, but in the intellect of our scientists.”
These comments echo earlier statements by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who told Fox News that while Iran is firm on continuing enrichment, it remains open to negotiated settlements that ensure peaceful intentions in exchange for sanctions relief.
Alleged assassination attempt and response to US base in Qatar
The president also spoke about a June 15 assassination attempt at a Supreme National Security Council meeting in Tehran, allegedly orchestrated by Israeli forces. Although Pezeshkian escaped with minor injuries, he said the attack was part of a larger Israeli strategy to paralyze Iran's political leadership.
“They tried to destabilize the entire country by eliminating key figures, but they completely failed.”
He further explained that Iran’s missile strike on the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar (a key American military installation) was not a hostile act toward Qatar itself, but a retaliatory move against US aggression.
“We hold no grudge against Qatar. I even spoke directly with Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to clarify our position. The strike was aimed at the American base, not the Qatari people.”
Talks with Europe to restart amid IAEA concerns
Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization is currently assessing the damage to its enriched uranium stockpiles caused by last month’s airstrikes. Iran says it will soon provide its report to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
While Pezeshkian recently signed a law suspending some cooperation with the IAEA, Iran insists it has not completely severed ties and will consider any requests to allow inspectors back into the country.
Meanwhile, diplomatic talks involving France, Germany, and the UK are scheduled to be held in Turkiye this Friday. These countries were part of the 2015 nuclear deal (JCPOA) from which the United States withdrew in 2018.
European leaders have stated that Tehran’s refusal to reengage in talks could result in the reimposition of global sanctions.
"Edited and published by Veritas Global News to maintain accuracy and originality"
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