President: Iran After Lasting Regional Peace, Not Nukes


TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iran seeks to establish sustainable peace and security in the region with the help of neighbors, President Masoud Pezeshkian said, reiterating Tehran’s opposition to acquisition of nuclear weapons.

In a meeting with Secretary General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres, held on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York on Monday, Pezeshkian said Iran is pursuing the establishment of sustainable peace and security in the region in cooperation with the neighboring governments, including the Persian Gulf countries.

“Iran is by no means after nuclear weapons. We have not started any war or tension during the past 200 years and are basically looking for life in peace, security and calm,” the Iranian president told the UN chief.

He also denounced the Israeli assassination of Hamas political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, the massacre of over 41,000 Palestinians in Gaza, and the recent Zionist attacks on Lebanon, saying Iran is seriously worried about the spread of conflicts to the whole region.

For his part, Guterres said the UN’s top priority is to stop the war on Gaza.

He also stressed the need for efforts to prevent the repetition of Gaza tragedy in Lebanon.

The UN chief then hailed the improvement of relations and closer cooperation between Iran and the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council members.

The Iranian president is scheduled to address the UNGA meeting on Tuesday, September 24.

He is also planned to hold meetings with Iranian expatriates residing in the US, leaders of religions, media managers, and members of American think tanks.