Iran affirms religious ban on nuclear weapons

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has reiterated that the country does not intend to develop nuclear weapons, citing a religious decree issued by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. 

Speaking ahead of the third round of nuclear negotiations with the United States, Pezeshkian noted that the fatwa carries both legal and ideological weight and effectively ensures that Iran will not pursue nuclear arms, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media. 

Pezeshkian added that the country’s supreme leader cannot lie in the way politicians might. The remarks come as Tehran prepares to reaffirm its commitment to maintaining a peaceful nuclear programme during talks with Washington.

The fatwa, issued by Khamenei in the early 2000s, has consistently served as the guiding principle for Iran’s nuclear policy, giving religious and legal backing to the country’s stance against developing nuclear weapons.

By Sabina Mammadli