TD Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has denied that Tehran is seeking to develop a nuclear weapon.
Pezeshkian said Iran is prepared to dilute its enriched uranium and allow international verification of its nuclear programme.
Pezeshkian made the remarks in an exclusive interview with Fox News’ Special Report with Bret Baier aired on Thursday, September 24, 2026.
The denial comes amid continuing military and diplomatic tensions between Iran and the United States.
Asked directly whether Iran wants a nuclear bomb, Pezeshkian responded: “Not at all. Not at all.”
He said Iran’s late Supreme Leader had repeatedly declared the development and possession of weapons of mass destruction religiously prohibited.
Iran Offers to Dilute Enriched Uranium
Pezeshkian went further by indicating that Tehran would be willing to reduce the concentration of its enriched uranium.
He also offered to permit international verification as part of efforts to resolve the nuclear dispute.
“We said we’re willing to dilute them. It’s not a big deal. We are willing to submit ourselves to verification,” he said.
His comments come as Iran’s nuclear programme remains at the centre of an international dispute.
Iran has maintained that its nuclear activities are intended for peaceful purposes.
Meanwhile, the United States and its allies have raised concerns about the country’s enrichment activities and its ability to produce weapons-grade material.
In September, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)’s Board of Governors passed a resolution referring Iran’s non-proliferation compliance issues to the United Nations Security Council.
The move followed concerns over undeclared uranium traces and Iran’s restrictions on IAEA access to nuclear facilities.
Pezeshkian Blames Washington for War
The Iranian president also blamed the United States for the escalation of the conflict.
He accused Washington of abandoning diplomacy in favour of military action.
Pezeshkian said Tehran had previously reached an understanding with President Donald Trump aimed at stopping hostilities and creating a framework for a broader agreement.
According to him, Iran remains prepared to return to negotiations.
“The problem is that America, instead of conducting dialogue, they descend into the arena by bombing us first, by blocking every pathway.
“We are ready,” Pezeshkian said.
He argued that international inspectors should be allowed access to Iranian nuclear facilities.
He, however, rejected what he described as pressure, blockades and restrictions imposed on Iran.
Pezeshkian: “We Never Sought War”
Pezeshkian said Iran did not want the conflict to continue and maintained that Tehran’s military actions were defensive.
“We never sought war. We do not seek war,” he said.
He blamed Israel for what he described as provocations that contributed to the conflict and said Washington ultimately had to decide whether it wanted hostilities to end.
“But we do not wish to continue. It’s America that must choose whether it wants to end this or not,” he said.
Reuters reported that Pezeshkian made the comments when asked whether the conflict could end before the end of 2026.
He denied seeking nuclear weapons but says it has the right to pursue peaceful nuclear technology under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
Iran’s Nuclear Programme Under International Scrutiny
The offer to permit verification comes against a background of continuing disagreement between Tehran and the IAEA.
Reuters reported earlier this month that Iran had restricted IAEA inspectors’ access to facilities affected by military strikes.
International concerns remained over uranium enriched to 60%—a level substantially above what is normally required for civilian nuclear power, although below weapons-grade enrichment.
The United Kingdom subsequently announced tougher sanctions against Iran over its nuclear programme.
It cited concerns over Iran’s accumulation of more than 400 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60%. Iran continues to maintain that its nuclear activities are peaceful.
Pezeshkian’s latest comments therefore come at a critical point in the nuclear dispute.
Tehran has publicly expressed willingness to dilute enriched material and permit verification while continuing to reject allegations that it seeks a nuclear weapon.
Denies Knowledge of Chinese Satellite Imagery
The Iranian president was also questioned about reports that Iranian forces had used Chinese satellite imagery in an attack on a U.S. military base in Jordan.
The attack killed three American service members.
Pezeshkian said he was unaware of the specific satellite imagery referred to by the interviewer.
“I’m specifically unaware of these purported images that you talk about,” he said.
He added that military activities between countries were matters for their respective armed forces.
Pezeshkian Assures Diplomatic Door Remains Open
Pezeshkian’s interview represents a renewed public assertion from Tehran that it is willing to negotiate over its nuclear programme.
He, however, said it’s possible provided Iran’s concerns about sanctions, military pressure and sovereignty are addressed.
His offer to dilute enriched uranium and accept verification could provide a potential basis for further negotiations.
Meanwhile, significant disagreements remain over the scope of inspections, Iran’s enrichment activities, sanctions and the conditions for ending the conflict.
For now, Tehran continues to deny pursuing a nuclear weapon.
The United States and other governments, on the other hand, maintain that Iran’s nuclear activities require stronger international verification and safeguards.
