Recently, Iran’s new reformist president, Masoud Pezeshkian, spoke out against accusations that Iran was enriching uranium for weapons-grade purposes. He stated that Tehran’s nuclear program was focused on technical and scientific needs rather than military objectives. The U.S. withdrawal from the nuclear deal with Iran has forced the country to enrich uranium at higher levels, a decision that Pezeshkian hopes to reverse by lifting international sanctions against Iran.

Pezeshkian emphasized Iran’s commitment to the framework outlined in the nuclear deal and expressed a willingness to negotiate if the U.S. is willing to engage in diplomatic discussions. This comes as Iran faces scrutiny for its uranium enrichment efforts, which have raised concerns about the country’s nuclear ambitions.

The situation is further complicated by escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, with recent drone and missile attacks heightening the conflict. The assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran has also increased hostilities between the two nations, prompting threats of retaliation from Iran.

Despite these challenges, Pezeshkian remains steadfast in Iran’s commitment to maintaining its ballistic missile arsenal for national security reasons. He called for disarmament in the region and urged the U.S. and Israel to respect Iran’s rights without resorting to threats or sanctions.

As the situation continues to evolve, it is clear that diplomatic efforts will be crucial in resolving the tensions between Iran and its adversaries. The future of Iran’s nuclear program hangs in the balance, with international relations playing a pivotal role in determining the outcome.

Amir Vahdat in Tehran, Iran, and Jon Gambrell in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, contributed to this report.