Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
Tehran: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reaffirmed on Wednesday that Iran does not seek to develop "a nuclear weapon" and extended an unexpected invitation to American investors, signaling a potential thaw in relations ahead of renewed discussions with the United States.
Speaking in Tehran, Pezeshkian emphasized that the Islamic Republic remains committed to peaceful nuclear intentions and expressed openness to foreign investment from the U.S., a shift from the nation's posture following the 2015 nuclear deal. “His excellency has no opposition to investment by American investors in Iran,” Pezeshkian said, referring to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. “American investors: Come and invest,” he added.
The remarks mark a notable departure from Iran’s previous restrictions that, despite showing interest in American goods like aircraft, effectively barred U.S. companies from operating in the country. The new stance could appeal to U.S. President Donald Trump, who withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal during his first term and has since indicated interest in negotiating a new agreement with Tehran.
Pezeshkian, elected last year on a platform of engagement with the West, also confirmed that upcoming talks between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and U.S. Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff in Oman will be held “indirectly.” Trump, however, has suggested they would be direct negotiations, a possibility Iran has not entirely ruled out as dialogue progresses.
“We are not after a nuclear bomb," Pezeshkian reiterated. “You (in the West) have verified it 100 times. Do it 1,000 times again,” he said, urging continued international inspection and verification of Iran’s nuclear activities.
With PTI inputs