Ahead of a possible second round of talks with the United States, Iran has said it is open to ending the conflict but will not compromise on what it calls its sovereign rights, including its nuclear programme. The statement comes amid ongoing tensions between the two countries over Tehran's nuclear activities.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said his country does not want the conflict to continue but will not accept conditions imposed by Washington. The United States, under President Donald Trump, has demanded that Iran scale back its nuclear programme and abandon its stockpile of enriched uranium.
Iran rejects US demands on nuclear programme
Speaking ahead of fresh diplomatic efforts, Pezeshkian made it clear that Iran considers its nuclear programme a legitimate right. He said any negotiations would be based on mutual respect and not unilateral pressure.
"Iran does not seek to prolong the war. We want regional peace and stability. But this does not mean we will accept whatever the United States says," he stated.
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He further questioned Washington's position on Iran’s nuclear rights. "They say Iran has no right to nuclear power. But who are they to decide what rights we have?" he said.
The Iranian President also alleged that recent actions by the United States violated international law. "Their objectives have not been achieved. They have targeted civilian infrastructure, including schools and hospitals," he added.
Diplomatic efforts continue amid uncertainty
The first round of talks between the two sides ended without any breakthrough. Efforts are now underway to bring both countries back to the negotiating table.
According to reports, the government of Shehbaz Sharif is actively trying to mediate. Pakistan is reportedly pushing for a fresh round of discussions to be held in Islamabad, with involvement from both its political leadership and military establishment.
Despite these efforts, the situation remains uncertain. Iran has accused the US of violating conditions, while tensions have also affected key strategic points such as the Strait of Hormuz, which Tehran reportedly opened briefly before closing again.
Iran has maintained that it did not initiate the conflict but warned that it would respond if attacked. "We will not attack any country first. But if we are attacked, we will respond," Pezeshkian said.
With both sides holding firm positions, it remains unclear whether upcoming diplomatic initiatives will lead to any concrete resolution.
