Tehran, June 21: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Saturday that Iran will not stop its nuclear program under any circumstances, even though the country is currently in conflict with Israel, which has targeted nuclear sites in Iran.
During a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron, Pezeshkian said, “We are ready to talk and work with others to build trust about our peaceful nuclear program. But we will never agree to completely stop our nuclear activities,” as per reports from Firstpost quoting IRNA news agency.
He also gave a strong warning to Israel, saying, “If Israel continues to attack us, our response will be even more destructive.” This statement comes as the conflict between Iran and Israel has continued for the past nine days.
France Calls for Release of French Citizens and Peace
French President Emmanuel Macron shared details of the phone call on social media. He said that he demanded the release of two French citizens, Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris, who are being held in Iran. He called their detention inhumane and unfair.
He expressed deep concern about Iran’s nuclear program. Macron made it clear that, “Iran must never get nuclear weapons. Iran must prove its nuclear plans are peaceful.”
Macron said he believes there is still a chance to stop the war and prevent bigger dangers. He added that France and its European partners will speed up talks with Iran to try to reach peace.
Macron's Tweet
Macron said, "The Iranian President @drpezeshkian called me. I reiterated my firm demand: Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris must be released. Their inhumane detention is unjust. I expect them to return to France."
He also said, "I also expressed my deep concern about Iran’s nuclear program. Here again, my position is clear: Iran must never acquire nuclear weapons, and it is up to Iran to provide full guarantees that its intentions are peaceful."
He further added, "I am convinced that a path exists to end war and avoid even greater dangers. To achieve this, we will accelerate the negotiations led by France and its European partners with Iran."
