TEHRAN – Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has reaffirmed that Iran will not abandon its uranium enrichment programme, insisting that the country will continue to exercise what it describes as its sovereign and legitimate nuclear rights despite growing international pressure.
Speaking during a public address, Pezeshkian said Iran’s nuclear activities would continue under its existing framework, rejecting calls for a halt or significant limitation of enrichment levels.
“We will not surrender our right to enrichment,” he said, according to Iranian state-linked remarks, stressing that Iran’s nuclear programme remains a matter of national pride and strategic independence.
The statement comes amid renewed diplomatic strain over Iran’s nuclear trajectory, with Western governments expressing concern over the pace and scope of enrichment activities. Negotiations aimed at reviving or replacing earlier nuclear understandings have remained stalled for months.
In Washington, the U.S. President responded with unusually direct language, warning Tehran to moderate its rhetoric and signaling potential consequences if tensions escalate further.
“He needs to think carefully about what he is saying. He needs to change the tone of his remarks. Otherwise, we will take control of what remains of Iran,” the U.S. President said.
The comments mark one of the sharpest recent exchanges between the two countries, underscoring the fragility of diplomatic channels and the absence of clear progress toward de-escalation.
Analysts say the rhetoric reflects deepening mistrust between Washington and Tehran, particularly over uranium enrichment, sanctions policy, and regional security dynamics involving allied armed groups across the Middle East.
Iran maintains that its nuclear programme is peaceful and intended for civilian energy and scientific purposes. However, Western powers continue to raise concerns about enrichment levels and transparency, warning that further escalation could destabilize the region.
The latest exchange adds to a long history of confrontational messaging between the two countries, with both sides appearing to harden their positions as diplomatic efforts remain stalled.
