‘Baseless hype’: Pezeshkian raps US-Europe claims on Iran’s nuclear program
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian underscored the Islamic Republic’s all-time resolve to pursue peace and security in the West Asia region, saying Tehran has never sought nuclear weapons based on its fundamental policies and principles. Pezeshkian made the statement on Tuesday evening as he received the credentials of the new Swiss ambassador to the Islamic Republic, Olivier Bangerter, whose country also represents US interests in Iran.
Acknowledging Switzerland's historical role as a communication channel between Tehran and Washington since the 1979 victory of the Islamic Revolution, Pezeshkian urged Bangerter to convey the fact to American officials that Iran has never sought nuclear weapons, and has adhered instead to the country’s entrenched precepts and tenets. “The Islamic Republic of Iran has always sought regional stability, peace, and security, and the propaganda and baseless hype against Iran's peaceful nuclear program by the US and some European countries lack any real basis,” the president said. “You need to try to convey this fact to American officials that the Islamic Republic of Iran, based on its fundamental principles and policies, has never been and is not seeking nuclear weapons.” Pezeshkian expressed gratitude for Switzerland's cooperation, not least in the pharmaceutical and food sectors, amidst the challenges posed by unjust sanctions of the United States and certain European countries.
The Iranian president also censured the Israeli regime’s actions against Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip, stressing that the occupying entity is the primary cause of regional instability.
“The regime's behavior is the main cause of instability in the region. Its attacks on regional countries and unprecedented crimes against Palestinians are neither humane nor legal, and are incompatible with any religion or belief,” Pezeshkian said.
Bangerter, for his part, voiced his delight over the commencement of his mission in Iran and outlined his key objectives, which he said include enhancing bilateral relations and fortifying Switzerland's role as a reliable communication channel between Tehran and Washington.
“I will spare no effort in achieving these goals, and at the same time, I will strive to show [to the world] the culture, history, and hospitality of the Iranian nation in the best possible way.”