TEHRAN, July 23, 2025 – Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian declared Iran’s full preparedness for renewed war with Israel and an unwavering commitment to continue its nuclear enrichment program, dismissing U.S. and Israeli efforts to dismantle it as "an illusion". The remarks, made in an exclusive Al Jazeera interview aired Wednesday, come amid heightened regional tensions following last month’s 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel.
Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian has given his first televised interview since the end of last month's war with Israel [Al Jazeera]
Key Developments
1. Military Posture
- Pezeshkian emphasized Iran’s readiness to retaliate against any Israeli aggression, stating, “We are fully prepared for any new Israeli military move, and our armed forces are ready to strike deep inside Israel again.”
- He questioned the sustainability of the ceasefire, citing Israel’s refusal to acknowledge losses in June’s conflict, which killed over 900 Iranians (mostly civilians) and 28 Israelis.
- Revealed: An Israeli assassination attempt targeting Pezeshkian on June 15 in Tehran, part of what he described as Israel’s broader plan to “overthrow [Iran’s] leadership.”
2. Nuclear Program Defiance
- Despite “serious” damage from June’s U.S.-Israeli strikes, Iran vowed to continue uranium enrichment as a matter of “national pride.”
- Responding to President Trump’s claims of neutralized capability, Pezeshkian said, “Nuclear capability resides in the minds of our scientists, not in our facilities.”
- Iran maintains its program is peaceful and rejects nuclear weapons on religious and strategic grounds, demanding sanctions relief in return for transparency.
3. Diplomatic Opening with Conditions
- Open to talks, Pezeshkian emphasized “win-win” logic, not “threats or dictates.”
- Foreign Minister Araghchi indicated indirect U.S. talks possible if sanctions lifted.
- Iran to meet European powers (France, Germany, UK) on Friday in Türkiye, but suspended IAEA cooperation earlier this month.
4. Regional Relations
- Pezeshkian clarified Iran’s retaliatory strike on the U.S.-used Al-Udeid base in Qatar wasn’t aimed at Doha, assuring Qatar’s Emir of “positive intentions.”
- He praised growing Arab support during the conflict and welcomed regional collaboration on “collective security.”
Context and Implications
Last month’s war saw Israel assassinate top Iranian scientists and military leaders, with U.S. strikes reportedly setting back Iran’s nuclear program by 1–2 years. Yet, Tehran’s leadership remains defiant. Pezeshkian warned: “Israel has harmed us, and we have harmed it... but we are not relying on the ceasefire.”
Upcoming Talks
The Friday meeting in Türkiye will test Iran-Europe diplomacy. European states have warned of potential sanctions if Iran declines genuine talks. Meanwhile, nationwide internet blackouts in Iran have hindered independent conflict reporting and verification.
Source: Al Jazeera, WSN 024 Reporting | July 23, 2025
*This report synthesizes verified statements from Iranian officials as of July 23, 2025. Further updates will follow as the Turkey talks commence.*