.jpeg)
New York, September 24, 2025 – In a significant address to the United Nations General Assembly, Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian firmly stated that the Islamic Republic of Iran has no intention of developing nuclear weapons, emphasizing Tehran’s commitment to peaceful nuclear energy development. Speaking on the second day of the General Assembly’s high-level debate, Pezeshkian sought to reassure the international community of Iran’s non-proliferation stance while calling for renewed diplomatic efforts to resolve longstanding tensions over its nuclear program. The speech comes at a critical juncture, as global powers grapple with escalating tensions in the Middle East and the looming possibility of revived negotiations over Iran’s nuclear activities.
A Clear Message on Nuclear Intentions
Pezeshkian’s remarks were a centerpiece of his address to the UN, where world leaders gather annually to discuss pressing global issues. “Iran has never sought to build a nuclear bomb, nor will it ever,” he declared, speaking through an interpreter to the assembly of diplomats, heads of state, and global observers. The president underscored that Iran’s nuclear program is solely for peaceful purposes, such as energy production and medical research, and reiterated the country’s adherence to its commitments under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
The statement was a direct response to longstanding concerns from Western nations, particularly the United States and Israel, which have accused Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons under the guise of a civilian nuclear program. These accusations have fueled decades of diplomatic friction, economic sanctions, and regional instability. Pezeshkian’s remarks were aimed at dispelling these suspicions, framing Iran’s nuclear ambitions as a matter of national sovereignty and scientific advancement rather than military aggression.
“Iran’s nuclear program is transparent and subject to international oversight,” Pezeshkian said, referencing the monitoring activities of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). He called on the international community to respect Iran’s right to develop nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, as guaranteed under the NPT, and urged Western powers to lift sanctions that have crippled Iran’s economy.
Context of Iran’s Nuclear Program
Iran’s nuclear program has been a contentious issue on the global stage for over two decades. The program, which began in the 1950s with assistance from the United States under the Shah’s regime, was initially focused on civilian nuclear energy. However, after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Iran’s relations with the West deteriorated, and its nuclear activities came under intense scrutiny. By the early 2000s, revelations about undeclared nuclear facilities raised alarms in Western capitals, leading to accusations that Iran was secretly developing nuclear weapons.
In 2015, after years of negotiations, Iran and six world powers—the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Russia, and China—signed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), commonly known as the Iran nuclear deal. The agreement placed strict limits on Iran’s nuclear activities, including the enrichment of uranium and the operation of centrifuges, in exchange for the lifting of international sanctions. The deal was hailed as a landmark achievement in diplomacy, offering a framework to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons while allowing it to maintain a civilian nuclear program.
However, the JCPOA faced significant challenges. In 2018, the United States, under then-President Donald Trump, unilaterally withdrew from the agreement, reimposing harsh economic sanctions on Iran. The move was widely criticized by other signatories, who argued that it undermined trust and destabilized the region. In response, Iran gradually scaled back its compliance with the JCPOA, increasing uranium enrichment levels and restricting IAEA access to certain nuclear sites. These actions heightened tensions and raised fears of a potential nuclear arms race in the Middle East.
Pezeshkian’s Call for Diplomacy
In his UN address, Pezeshkian called for a return to diplomacy to resolve the nuclear impasse. He expressed Iran’s willingness to engage in “constructive dialogue” with world powers to revive the JCPOA or negotiate a new agreement. “Sanctions and coercion have only deepened mistrust,” he said. “The path forward lies in mutual respect, dialogue, and adherence to international agreements.”
The Iranian president’s remarks come amid cautious optimism about the possibility of renewed nuclear talks. The administration of U.S. President Joe Biden, which took office in 2021, has expressed interest in restoring the JCPOA but has faced domestic and international hurdles. Critics in the U.S. argue that any new deal must address not only Iran’s nuclear program but also its ballistic missile development and support for regional proxies, such as Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen. Iran, on the other hand, insists that negotiations focus solely on nuclear issues and that sanctions relief must be a priority.
Pezeshkian’s speech also addressed the broader geopolitical context, including Iran’s role in the Middle East and its strained relations with Israel. He accused Israel of destabilizing the region through its military actions and called for an end to what he described as “aggression and occupation” in Palestinian territories. These remarks drew sharp rebukes from Israeli officials, who have long viewed Iran as an existential threat due to its nuclear ambitions and support for anti-Israel groups.
Global Reactions to Pezeshkian’s Speech
The international response to Pezeshkian’s address was mixed, reflecting the polarized views on Iran’s nuclear program and its role in global affairs. European leaders, who have been vocal supporters of the JCPOA, welcomed the Iranian president’s commitment to non-proliferation but urged Tehran to fully cooperate with the IAEA. “Words must be matched by actions,” said a spokesperson for the European Union’s foreign policy chief, emphasizing the need for Iran to provide unfettered access to its nuclear facilities.
The United States, while not dismissing Pezeshkian’s remarks outright, expressed skepticism. A State Department official, speaking on condition of anonymity, noted that Iran’s history of non-compliance with the JCPOA and its provocative actions in the region undermine its credibility. “We remain open to diplomacy, but Iran must demonstrate its commitment through verifiable steps,” the official said.
Russia and China, both signatories to the JCPOA, issued statements supporting Pezeshkian’s call for dialogue. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov praised Iran’s “constructive approach” and criticized the U.S. for its unilateral withdrawal from the nuclear deal. China’s UN ambassador echoed similar sentiments, calling for all parties to work toward de-escalation and mutual trust.
Israel, unsurprisingly, took a hardline stance. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has long opposed any nuclear deal with Iran, dismissed Pezeshkian’s remarks as “empty promises.” In a statement issued shortly after the speech, Netanyahu warned that Israel would take all necessary measures to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, including the possibility of military action.
The Domestic Context in Iran
Pezeshkian’s UN address also reflects the complex political dynamics within Iran. A reformist politician who assumed the presidency in July 2025 following the death of his predecessor, Ebrahim Raisi, Pezeshkian has sought to project a more moderate image than his hardline predecessors. His election was seen as a potential opening for improved relations with the West, though he faces significant constraints from Iran’s powerful conservative establishment, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the country’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Khamenei, who holds ultimate authority in Iran, has historically taken a cautious approach to nuclear negotiations, balancing the need for economic relief with a deep-seated distrust of Western intentions. In recent years, he has emphasized Iran’s self-reliance and resistance to external pressure, a stance that resonates with hardline factions but complicates efforts to revive the JCPOA.
Pezeshkian’s pledge not to pursue nuclear weapons aligns with Khamenei’s public statements, which have consistently framed Iran’s nuclear program as peaceful. However, analysts note that domestic political pressures and regional security concerns could limit Pezeshkian’s ability to make significant concessions in nuclear talks. The Iranian public, grappling with economic hardship due to sanctions, is increasingly vocal about the need for relief, adding pressure on the government to secure a deal.
The Broader Geopolitical Implications
The Iranian nuclear issue is deeply intertwined with broader geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East and beyond. The collapse of the JCPOA and the subsequent escalation of tensions have raised fears of a regional arms race, with countries like Saudi Arabia and Turkey expressing interest in developing their own nuclear capabilities. Such a scenario would further destabilize an already volatile region, where conflicts in Syria, Yemen, and Lebanon continue to simmer.
Moreover, Iran’s nuclear program has implications for global non-proliferation efforts. The NPT, which forms the cornerstone of the international non-proliferation regime, relies on the cooperation of its signatories to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons. Iran’s actions, including its partial withdrawal from JCPOA commitments, have raised questions about the effectiveness of the treaty and the ability of the IAEA to enforce compliance.
Pezeshkian’s UN speech also comes at a time of heightened global attention on nuclear security. Recent developments, such as North Korea’s continued missile tests and Russia’s nuclear saber-rattling amid the Ukraine conflict, have underscored the fragility of the global non-proliferation framework. Iran’s commitment to forgoing nuclear weapons, if genuine, could serve as a positive signal to other nations, but skepticism remains about Tehran’s intentions.
Challenges to Reviving the JCPOA
Reviving the JCPOA or negotiating a new nuclear agreement faces significant challenges. First, there is the issue of trust. Iran’s increased uranium enrichment and restricted IAEA access have eroded confidence among Western powers, while Tehran views the U.S. withdrawal from the JCPOA as a betrayal. Bridging this trust deficit will require both sides to make politically difficult concessions.
Second, the regional security environment complicates negotiations. Israel’s opposition to any deal with Iran, combined with its military capabilities, poses a constant risk of escalation. Recent airstrikes attributed to Israel on Iranian-linked targets in Syria and Lebanon have heightened tensions, raising the specter of a broader conflict that could derail diplomatic efforts.
Third, domestic politics in both Iran and the United States present obstacles. In the U.S., any new deal would likely face opposition from Republican lawmakers and pro-Israel lobbying groups, who argue that Iran cannot be trusted. In Iran, hardline factions may resist concessions that they perceive as compromising national sovereignty.
Finally, the issue of sanctions relief remains a sticking point. Iran has demanded the immediate lifting of all sanctions imposed since 2018, while the U.S. insists on a phased approach tied to verifiable compliance. Finding a mutually acceptable formula for sanctions relief will be critical to any agreement.
The Path Forward
Pezeshkian’s UN address represents a renewed effort by Iran to position itself as a responsible actor on the global stage. By reaffirming its commitment to non-proliferation and calling for dialogue, the Iranian president has sought to create space for diplomatic engagement. However, translating these words into action will require sustained effort from all parties involved.
For the United States and its allies, the challenge lies in balancing the need for robust verification measures with the political realities of engaging with Iran. For Tehran, the task is to demonstrate transparency and good faith while addressing domestic pressures for economic relief. The IAEA, as the international body responsible for monitoring Iran’s nuclear activities, will play a critical role in verifying compliance and rebuilding trust.
As the world watches, the outcome of these efforts will have far-reaching implications for regional stability, global non-proliferation, and the future of multilateral diplomacy. Pezeshkian’s pledge that Iran will never seek nuclear weapons is a step toward de-escalation, but the road to a lasting resolution remains long and fraught with challenges.