Iran addresses claims regarding Trump assassination, nuclear program

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News websites
15 Jan 2025 12:48
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Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian denies all Iranian involvement claims in Trump's assassination attempt and discusses the Republic's nuclear program and plans.

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Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian speaks during the Outreach/BRICS Plus format session at the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, on October 24, 2024. (AP)

"Iran has never attempted to nor does it plan to assassinate anyone," including US President-elect Donald Trump, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Wednesday.

According to the Iranian leader, the narrative constitutes another "scheme" plotted by the Israeli occupation and other countries to incite Iranophobia, stressing that Iran has never plotted to assassinate Trump and does not plan to either.

As Trump prepares to assume office for his second term, Pezeshkian expressed hopes that his tenure would bring about peace in the region and the world, "not conversely, contribute to bloodshed and war."

Responding to questions regarding a possible US-Israeli attack aimed at deterring Iran's nuclear program, Pezeshkian affirmed that the Islamic Republic was ready to react to the developments.

"Naturally enough, we will react to any action. We do not fear war, but we do not seek it," he stated, adding that the situation would not develop to such an extent, as the consequences would impact all involved actors.

In this context, the Iranian president said Iran was not developing nuclear weapons, despite consistent claims of nuclear building activities.

Discussing the nuclear program and dialogue with major powers, Pezeshkian said Iran remains dedicated to the commitments it made, "but unfortunately, it was the other party that did not live up to its promises and obligations."

Third round of Iran-E3 talks serious, constructive: Iran Deputy FM

Senior officials from Iran and the European trio of Britain, France, and Germany (E3) convened Monday to discuss the removal of sanctions imposed on Tehran and issues related to its nuclear program.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi met with political directors and deputies from the E3 in Geneva, Switzerland. The discussions also included exchanges on matters of mutual interest and regional developments.

Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran’s deputy foreign minister for legal and international affairs, also participated in the meeting.

After the talks, Gharibabadi wrote on X that "the third round of talks between Iran and the three European countries was held in Geneva. The talks were serious, frank, and constructive."

"While going into some details, we discussed and explored ideas in the two areas of sanctions lifting and nuclear that are essential to reaching an agreement," he pointed out.

Gharibabadi confirmed that "there was a consensus that negotiations should be resumed and that a conducive atmosphere should be created and maintained by all parties to reach an agreement. It was agreed that the talks would continue."