Iran’s nuclear rights cannot be taken away by war – Pezeshkian tells Macron

Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian has asserted that Tehran’s right to pursue a civilian nuclear programme is protected under international law and “cannot be taken away” by conflict, as the country enters its ninth day of military confrontation with Israel.

In a phone conversation with French president Emmanuel Macron, Pezeshkian reiterated Iran’s longstanding position that its nuclear ambitions are peaceful and lawful.

“Iran has always announced that it is ready to provide guarantees and build confidence in its peaceful nuclear activities within the framework of international law,” the president said, according to Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency.

“The rights granted to countries and nations by international law cannot be taken away from them by threats or war,” he added.

Pezeshkian’s comments come amid escalating tensions in the region, with Israeli airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear and military sites since 13 June.

Israel claims the attacks are aimed at dismantling what it describes as Iran’s “imminent nuclear threat.”

France, along with the UK and Germany, is holding separate talks with Iranian officials in Geneva in a bid to de-escalate the growing crisis.

While the United States has supported Israel’s actions diplomatically and defensively, it has yet to announce direct military involvement.

Macron’s office has not yet released a readout of the call, but France has previously called for “maximum restraint” on all sides to avoid a broader regional war.