‘We Do Not Seek Anyone’s Permission’: Pezeshkian Defends Iran’s Nuclear Programme

Last Updated:September 23, 2026, 8:45 PM IST

Pezeshkian defends Iran’s peaceful nuclear programme and calls for regional cooperation amid Strait of Hormuz tensions.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian addresses the 81st UN General Assembly in New York.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Wednesday defended Tehran’s right to peaceful nuclear technology while addressing the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Speaking before world leaders, Pezeshkian said Iran would not seek anyone’s permission to defend itself and stressed that its nuclear programme was intended for national development, not to threaten other countries.

Pezeshkian Defends Iran’s Right To Peaceful Nuclear Technology

Pezeshkian said peaceful nuclear technology is an important part of Iran’s development and has applications in healthcare, agriculture and the energy sector. He said it can support medical treatment, strengthen food security and provide electricity needed for industrial growth.

“We seek energy for progress,” Pezeshkian said, stressing that Iran wants to use nuclear technology for peaceful purposes and national development.

‘We Do Not Seek Anyone’s Permission’

Pezeshkian also said Iran does not need external approval to defend itself. He maintained that Tehran’s pursuit of strength is aimed at protecting its sovereignty and future rather than seeking regional hegemony or threatening other nations.

He said Iran needs the ability to protect itself in a region where, according to him, security remains under pressure.

Strait Of Hormuz Remains A Key Flashpoint

The Strait of Hormuz has remained a major point of tension in the Iran-US confrontation. Iran has said it is prepared to reopen the strategically important waterway if the US eases military pressure and lifts its blockade on Iranian ports.

The issue has also featured in diplomatic discussions around the UN General Assembly, with Tehran maintaining conditions linked to the reopening of the strait.

Iran Calls For Regional Cooperation

Pezeshkian said Tehran was ready to cooperate with other countries to promote security in the region. He argued that lasting stability could not be achieved through force and called for dialogue, cooperation and respect for the rights of countries.

He also reiterated that Iran does not seek security at the expense of other nations, saying regional countries must work together to create lasting stability.

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What did Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian state about Iran’s nuclear programme at the UN?

Addressing the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian defended Tehran’s right to peaceful nuclear technology for national development. He emphasized that the programme is intended for applications in healthcare, agriculture, and energy rather than threatening other nations, stating that Iran does not seek anyone’s permission to defend itself.

What conditions has Iran set regarding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz?

Iran stated that it is prepared to reopen the strategically important Strait of Hormuz if the United States eases its military pressure and lifts the blockade on Iranian ports.

What did President Pezeshkian say about regional security and stability during his UN address?

President Pezeshkian stated that Tehran is ready to cooperate with other countries to promote regional security, arguing that lasting stability cannot be achieved through force. He called for dialogue, mutual respect for national rights, and collective regional cooperation rather than seeking security at the expense of other nations.

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Pragya Bahuguna

Pragya Bahuguna is a digital journalist at News18.com, covering national and international news, including Indian politics and geopolitics, with an interest in environment and climate affairs. She hol…Read More

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