Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has warned the United States President-elect, Donald Trump, against risking “war” with the Islamic Republic.
Pezeshkian warned that Iran would respond to any act of war if the U.S. endorses Israeli military strikes on his country’s nuclear sites.
He issued the warning in an interview with NBC News on Tuesday.
Pezeshkian said: “I do hope that Trump will contribute to peace in the region and the world, not, conversely, contribute to bloodshed or war.
“We will react to any action. We do not fear war, but we do not seek it.”
Washington has not maintained formal diplomatic relations with Tehran for nearly 45 years, and Trump threatened during his recent presidential campaign that U.S. ally Israel could strike Iranian nuclear facilities.
Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, reported Tuesday that European powers were serious about resuming nuclear program negotiations.
In 2015, Iran and world powers — including France, Britain, and Germany — reached an agreement that eased international sanctions on Tehran in exchange for curbs on its nuclear program.
But the United States, during Trump’s first term in office, unilaterally withdrew from the accord in 2018 and reimposed harsh economic sanctions.
Tehran adhered to the deal until Washington’s withdrawal but then began rolling back its commitments.
He added: “We do not seek to create nuclear weaponry or armament.
“However, they accuse us of seeking the manufacturing of a bomb.”
Nuclear sites: We’re not afraid of war – Iranian President warns Trump