Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has firmly stated that Tehran's right to pursue a civilian nuclear programme is protected under international law and "cannot be taken away" by military conflict, as tensions with Israel enter their ninth day.
During a telephone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron, Pezeshkian emphasized Iran's position that its nuclear ambitions remain peaceful and lawful despite the ongoing military confrontation.
"Iran has always announced that it is ready to provide guarantees and build confidence in its peaceful nuclear activities within the framework of international law," Pezeshkian said, according to Iran's state-run IRNA news agency.
He added, "The rights granted to countries and nations by international law cannot be taken away from them by threats or war."
Escalating Regional Tensions
The Iranian president's remarks come amid heightened regional tensions, with Israeli airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear and military installations since June 13. Israel claims these operations aim to dismantle what it describes as Iran's "imminent nuclear threat."
France, alongside the United Kingdom and Germany, is currently engaged in separate diplomatic talks with Iranian officials in Geneva, seeking to de-escalate the growing crisis that threatens regional stability.
While the United States has provided diplomatic and defensive support to Israel, it has yet to announce any direct military involvement in the conflict.
President Macron's office has not released an official readout of the call with Pezeshkian. However, France has previously urged "maximum restraint" from all parties to prevent the conflict from expanding into a broader regional war.
The situation remains fluid as international diplomats work to find a peaceful resolution to the crisis while concerns grow about potential further escalation between Iran and Israel.
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