Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian delivered a forceful rebuttal against Western nuclear accusations during his UN General Assembly address Wednesday, reaffirming Tehran's commitment to non-proliferation while condemning European sanctions as counterproductive.
Defiance and Diplomacy
"I declare before this assembly: Iran has never sought and will never seek nuclear weapons," Pezeshkian stated, citing religious edicts from Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei as binding constraints. The remarks came hours after Britain, France, and Germany (E3) moved to reinstate UN sanctions through the JCPOA's snapback mechanism.
Nuclear Deal in Peril
The president accused European powers of undermining the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which saw Iran limit uranium enrichment in exchange for sanctions relief. "Those who once called this deal their diplomatic triumph now seek its destruction," Pezeshkian said, referencing the E3's August 28 sanctions notification to the UN Security Council.
Regional Implications
The renewed tensions come five years after the U.S. withdrew from the JCPOA under President Trump, triggering a chain reaction of sanctions and reduced Iranian compliance. Analysts suggest the E3's latest move could further destabilize nonproliferation efforts while complicating energy markets crucial to Asian economies.
