Iran’s president, Masoud Pezeshkian, has insisted that the Islamic Republic is “not at all” seeking nuclear weapons as talks with the United States begin in Switzerland in a bid to avert war.
The negotiations, mediated by Oman, come amid heightened tensions and a significant US military build-up in the region. Donald Trump has warned that Washington could strike Iran if a deal is not reached.
Pezeshkian referenced Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, stating that Iran would not pursue nuclear weapons. While Tehran maintains the talks should focus solely on its nuclear programme, Washington is pushing for restrictions on Iran’s missile programme and its support for regional militant groups.
In his State of the Union address, Trump accused Iran of pursuing “sinister nuclear ambitions” and developing missiles capable of threatening Europe and US bases overseas. Iran’s foreign ministry dismissed the claims as “big lies,” maintaining that its nuclear programme is for civilian purposes.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Iran must negotiate on its missile programme, while Vice President JD Vancewarned Tehran to take Trump’s threats seriously.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who is leading Tehran’s delegation, described the talks as “a historic opportunity,” saying a deal was within reach if both sides avoided contradictory positions.
Analysts warn that failure of the negotiations could lead to a broader conflict in the region, following last year’s 12-day war between Israel and Iran.
