Iran's President slams western pressure, vows to rebuild nuclear program if attacked
'It's wrong to think everything would be lost if our facilities were bombed,' Pezeshkian said. 'Our capabilities are embedded in our knowledge and expertise. Whatever they destroy, we will rebuild.'
Speaking to Iranian media, Pezeshkian condemned the intensifying sanctions imposed by the United States and some European countries, saying they amount to a campaign of 'maximum pressure' on the Iranian people.
Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian said that Iran will 'not submit to force' after the IAEA declared the country in breach of nuclear rules.
He accused the U.S. and Europe of trying to stop Iran's progress with sanctions. Iran plans to expand its uranium enrichment despite… pic.twitter.com/wIzy5xarV7 — CGTN Europe (@CGTNEurope) June 12, 2025
He added that since taking office, his government has sought dialogue with all neighboring countries. 'Our message has been consistent: we are your brothers,' he said, referring to shared cultural and historical ties with communities across Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Balochistan, and Khorasan.
His remarks came as the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) passed a resolution censuring Iran for failing to meet its nuclear obligations.
Nineteen of the 35 board members supported the resolution, which the U.S., UK, France, and Germany drafted. China, Russia, and Burkina Faso opposed the measure, while 11 nations abstained.
The resolution, seen as a warning ahead of potentially escalating the matter to the UN Security Council, aims to increase pressure on Tehran amid longstanding concerns about its nuclear ambitions, concerns Iran denies.
The diplomatic move comes as indirect talks between the U.S. and Iran continue in Oman, seeking a potential alternative to the collapsed 2015 nuclear deal. The two sides have held five rounds of negotiations since April.
Tensions remain high across the Middle East. U.S. President Donald Trump recently expressed skepticism over the possibility of a new agreement with Iran, saying he is now 'less confident' in its prospects.
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