Pezeshkian: Iran not seeking nuclear weaponry

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, during a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, emphasized that Israeli aggression will be met with an appropriate response and that Iran has never pursued nuclear weaponry.

Pezeshkian described the Israeli strikes on Iran as a blatant violation of international law, noting that Israel is seeking to create and expand tensions in the region, according to the Islamic Republic News Agency or IRNA of Iran.

Regarding the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear program, the Iranian president stated that the Islamic Republic "has never sought to acquire nuclear weapons and is ready to provide assurances to relevant international authorities in this regard".

Earlier, Iranian officials said they are seeking cooperation with Russia in developing civilian use of nuclear energy.

While Pezeshkian expressed gratitude to Putin for Russia's solidarity in Friday's phone call, Putin offered condolences to the Iranian leadership and people "in connection with the heavy loss of life caused by Israeli strikes," according to the Russian news agency Interfax.

Putin said that Russia is ready to mediate to help de-escalate tensions, IRNA reported.

The Russian president also spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by phone late Friday. Putin stressed that "Russia condemns Israel's actions, which were carried out in violation of the UN Charter and international law," Interfax said.

Putin stressed the importance of returning to the process of talks and resolution of all issues concerning Iran's nuclear program "strictly through political and diplomatic means," according to Interfax.