Iran Prepared for Potential War with Israel, Committed to Nuclear Programme
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has declared that his country is ready for any military confrontation with Israel, expressing skepticism about the durability of the recent ceasefire between the two nations.
In an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera, Pezeshkian emphasized Iran’s military preparedness, stating, “We are fully prepared for any new Israeli military move, and our armed forces are ready to strike deep inside Israel again.” He also confirmed Iran’s commitment to its nuclear programme, insisting it is solely for peaceful purposes, despite Western concerns.
The remarks follow last month’s 12-day conflict, during which the U.S. launched strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, though reports suggest the damage was less severe than initially claimed by Washington.
Pezeshkian dismissed optimism about the ceasefire, citing Israel’s continued aggression, including assassinations of Iranian military leaders and nuclear scientists. He asserted that while Israel had inflicted significant losses, Tehran had retaliated effectively, striking deep within Israeli territory. T
he president also rejected U.S. demands to halt uranium enrichment, stating that Iran’s nuclear capabilities are rooted in its scientific expertise rather than physical infrastructure. “Trump says that Iran should not have a nuclear weapon, and we accept this because we reject nuclear weapons,” Pezeshkian said, reiterating Iran’s opposition to nuclear arms on religious and strategic grounds. However, he dismissed claims that Iran’s nuclear programme had been dismantled as “just an illusion.”
The Iranian leader also addressed an alleged Israeli assassination attempt against him during a June 15 security council meeting, calling it part of a broader plot to destabilize Iran’s leadership. Despite the attack, he affirmed that Israel’s efforts had failed.
Pezeshkian further clarified that Iran’s strikes on Qatar’s Al Udeid base—used by U.S. forces—were not an act of hostility toward Qatar, emphasizing Tehran’s positive relations with Doha. Meanwhile, Iranian officials continue to assess the impact of last month’s attacks on its nuclear facilities, with plans to report findings to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). As diplomatic tensions persist, Iran is set to engage in talks with France, Germany, and the UK, with the threat of renewed sanctions looming if negotiations stall.
Source: Al Jazeera
