Iran has reaffirmed that it will not pursue nuclear weapons, citing a religious decree issued by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, as fresh diplomatic engagements with the United States get underway amid renewed political pressure from Washington.
President Masoud Pezeshkian said Thursday that Iran’s nuclear doctrine is guided by a fatwa pronounced by Khamenei in the early 2000s banning the development, stockpiling and use of nuclear arms.
“Our position is clear,” Pezeshkian said, according to state media. “When the Supreme Leader declares that we will not have nuclear weapons, that position is final.” He added that a religious authority “does not lie like politicians,” reinforcing Tehran’s insistence that its stance is rooted in faith as well as policy.
The comments come ahead of a third round of indirect talks between Tehran and Washington over Iran’s nuclear programme. The United States has long maintained that Iran is seeking the capacity to produce nuclear weapons, an allegation Iranian officials have consistently denied.
Relations between the two countries have remained strained since President Donald Trump withdrew the US from the 2015 nuclear accord during his previous administration and reimposed sweeping sanctions on Tehran. The renewed negotiations are aimed at easing tensions and exploring possible frameworks for de-escalation.
Oman is once again playing a central mediating role. The Omani foreign ministry confirmed that Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi held talks in Geneva with Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi ahead of the indirect US-Iran discussions.
According to Muscat, the meeting reviewed recent diplomatic developments and examined proposals Iran plans to submit during the new round of negotiations. The proposals are said to build on guiding principles discussed previously.
Albusaidi is expected to engage separately with the US delegation to communicate Iran’s positions and relay Washington’s feedback. Oman reiterated its commitment to facilitating dialogue in pursuit of what it described as a sustainable and peaceful outcome.
Despite the diplomatic efforts, rhetoric in the United States has grown sharper. Democratic Representative Greg Landsman said targeted military action might be considered if diplomacy fails to curb Iran’s capabilities.
“If targeted, defensive strikes are necessary and successful, the prospect of broader war could be reduced,” Landsman said, arguing that weakening Iran’s strategic assets could prevent further instability.
He identified ballistic missile systems, weapons depots, rocket infrastructure and nuclear facilities as potential targets in the event of escalation.
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