In a firm address on Iran's National Nuclear Technology Day, President Masoud Pezeshkian rejected the possibility of retreating from the country's nuclear progress, denouncing American threats and sanctions while emphasizing Iran's readiness for dialogue grounded in national dignity.

Speaking at a ceremony unveiling Iran's latest nuclear advancements, Pezeshkian criticized what he described as ongoing hostility from the United States, asserting that pressure would only bolster Iran's determination.

"We seek peace and security, and we are open to dialogue, but based on dignity and pride. We will not back down from our achievements, nor will we compromise on them, and we will never allow anyone to prevent us from thinking or to prevent us from being innovative and creative," the president said.

He reiterated Iran's consistent position that it is not pursuing nuclear weapons, referencing a well-known religious edict issued by Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei that forbids the development of such arms.

"The West says 'Iran wants to produce nuclear bombs.' Who is more authoritative than the Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, who has officially and publicly declared that we are not seeking to build nuclear bombs? You've verified it a hundred times, and you can verify it a thousand times more, but know this: we need nuclear science and nuclear energy in all fields," Pezeshkian said.

Defiant Diplomacy

Touching on Iran's defensive posture, he stated that the nation does not aim for conflict but will respond firmly to aggression.

"We are not seeking war, but with the knowledge and power that our dear ones have created we will stand strong in the face of any aggression. The more they strike us, the stronger we will become; the more they threaten us, the firmer we will stand. We are not aggressors, and we are not going to attack anyone," he stated.

Pezeshkian also addressed skepticism around negotiations with the West, pointing to the lack of trust caused by previous breaches, particularly Washington's withdrawal from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and the reintroduction of sanctions despite Iran's adherence to the deal.

He invoked Sayyed Khamenei's view on the matter: "How can they sanction all our resources and communications on one side and then ask us to engage in dialogue?"

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Reflecting on the JCPOA, Pezeshkian remarked, "We lived up to our commitments under the JCPOA, but they were the ones who withdrew from it. We didn't want to leave. They threatened us every day. When they threaten us, we will inevitably respond."

Still, he maintained a cautiously optimistic outlook regarding future diplomatic efforts. "I am confident that we will be able to continue our path with strength, and with the dialogues that will take place, we will also solve these problems," he said.

According to reports, Iranian and American officials are preparing to hold indirect talks in Muscat, Oman, on Saturday, aimed at addressing Iran's nuclear program and the easing of sanctions.