Iran’s president denies nuclear bomb ambition, offers inspectors access

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has denied any ambition to develop a nuclear weapon, stating Tehran is ready to allow international inspectors to verify its programme and dilute its enriched uranium stockpile. Speaking to Fox News at the UN General Assembly, Pezeshkian cited a religious decree declaring such weapons "unholy" and "illegal," and said Iran would accept verification. He blamed the US for escalating conflict by choosing military action over dialogue, calling Iran's response defensive. The comments come as the IAEA says it cannot fully verify Iran's nuclear activities, and its Board of Governors referred the issue to the UN Security Council on September 9. US President Donald Trump insists Iran must not acquire a nuclear weapon but believes a settlement is possible.