Iran’s President Tells UN: “We Do Not Seek Nuclear Weapons” as Sanctions Deadline Looms
UNITED NATIONS — Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian told world leaders at the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday that his country has no intention of developing nuclear weapons, just days before the deadline for international sanctions to potentially be reimposed on Tehran.
“I hereby declare once more before this assembly that Iran has never sought and will never seek to build a nuclear bomb. We do not seek nuclear weapons,” Pezeshkian said, emphasizing that Iran’s nuclear program is solely for peaceful purposes.
His remarks came as Britain, France, and Germany — the so-called E3 — push forward with a 30-day process launched on August 28 to reinstate UN sanctions. The process expires on September 27, unless a compromise is reached.
European Powers Threaten “Snapback” Sanctions
The E3 accuse Iran of breaching the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), a landmark deal designed to curb Iran’s ability to build nuclear weapons in exchange for sanctions relief. They argue Tehran has failed to honor its commitments, particularly on uranium enrichment and cooperation with international inspectors.
However, the European nations have offered a six-month delay to sanctions if Iran agrees to:
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Restore full access for UN nuclear inspectors,
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Address concerns about its growing stockpile of enriched uranium,
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And engage in direct talks with the United States.
Failure to comply by the September 27 deadline would trigger the automatic reinstatement of sanctions — a move known as the “snapback” mechanism.
Iran Pushes Back, Blames the US
President Pezeshkian strongly criticized the E3’s actions, calling them “illegal” and claiming they were carried out at the request of Washington.
“In doing so, they set aside good faith, circumvented legal obligations, and sought to portray Iran’s lawful remedial measures as a gross violation,” he said.
The United States, European allies, and Israel have long accused Iran of using its civilian nuclear program as cover for potential weapons development. Tehran has consistently denied the allegations, stressing that its nuclear activities are meant for energy production and medical research.
Talks Continue but Gaps Remain
Despite sharp words, both Tehran and European diplomats left the door open for further discussions during the UN meetings. Still, differences remain stark.
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E3 Position: Iran must prove its compliance before any sanctions relief.
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Iran’s Position: Tehran will not bow to “unjust conditions” or negotiate under threats.
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who holds the final say on all nuclear matters, has previously ruled out negotiations with the US as long as threats and pressure persist.
What Happens if Sanctions Return?
If no agreement is reached by September 27, the reimposition of UN sanctions would deal another severe blow to Iran’s already fragile economy. The “snapback” package includes:
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A renewed arms embargo,
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A ban on uranium enrichment and reprocessing,
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Prohibitions on developing or testing ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads,
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A global freeze on Iranian assets abroad,
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And travel bans on Iranian officials and entities.
Iran has already been grappling with heavy US sanctions since 2018, when then-President Donald Trump withdrew Washington from the JCPOA during his first term. The move reignited tensions and led to years of economic hardship in Iran.
Strained Cooperation with UN Inspectors
Tensions between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) worsened earlier this year following US and Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in June. In response, Iran’s parliament passed a law suspending cooperation with the nuclear watchdog.
However, a breakthrough came earlier this month. On September 9, Tehran and the IAEA struck a deal to allow inspectors back into nuclear facilities. IAEA chief Rafael Grossi confirmed on Tuesday that a team of inspectors was already en route to Iran, ready to begin work if diplomacy succeeds in averting sanctions.
A High-Stakes Moment
The coming days will be critical for Iran’s future on the international stage. A return of UN sanctions would deepen Tehran’s isolation, exacerbate economic woes, and complicate regional security dynamics in the Middle East.
For now, Pezeshkian is projecting defiance on the world stage — assuring the UN that Iran has no nuclear weapons ambitions — while European powers and the US weigh whether his government can be trusted.
Whether this week’s diplomacy results in compromise or confrontation may shape not only Iran’s economy but also the future stability of the nuclear non-proliferation regime.