Iran president says nuclear activity ‘will not halt under any circumstances', warns of ‘more devastating' response to Israel

Pezeshkian warned that his country's response to continued Israeli 'aggression' will be 'more devastating', as fighting raged between the two foes for a ninth day. read more
Rocket trails are seen in the sky above the Israeli coastal city of Netanya amid a fresh barrage of Iranian missile attacks on June 21, 2025. Photo- AFP
Iran will not halt nuclear activity 'under any circumstances', Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian said Saturday amid ongoing fighting with Israel which hit nuclear sites.
'We are ready to discuss and cooperate to build confidence in the field of peaceful nuclear activities, however, we do not agree to reduce nuclear activities to zero under any circumstances,' said Pezeshkian during a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron, according to the official IRNA news agency.
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Pezeshkian warned that his country's response to continued Israeli 'aggression' will be 'more devastating', as fighting raged between the two foes for a ninth day.
'Our response to the continued aggression of the Zionist regime will be more devastating,' said Pezeshkian during a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron, according to the official IRNA news agency.
He also said that his country's right to pursue a civilian nuclear programme cannot be taken away by war, as it traded fire with Israel for a ninth day.
'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,' Pezeshkian told French President Emmanuel Macron in a phone call, according to the official IRNA news agency.
'The rights granted to countries and nations by international law cannot be taken away from them by threats or war.'
Talks in Geneva on Friday failed to produce a breakthrough. European officials expressed hope for future discussions. Iran's foreign minister said he was open to further dialogue while emphasizing that Tehran had no interest in negotiating with the U.S. while Israel continues to attack.
'Iran is ready to consider diplomacy once again, and once aggression is stopped and the aggressor is held accountable for the crimes committed,' he told reporters.
No date was set for a new round of talks.
For many Iranians, updates remained difficult. Internet-access advocacy group NetBlocks.org said Saturday that limited internet access had again 'collapsed.' A nationwide internet shutdown has been in place for several days.
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