Iran vows to uphold pursuit of peaceful nuclear energy

TEHRAN: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said his country won't abandon its pursuit of civilian nuclear energy under any circumstances, while reiterating that Tehran has no intention of developing nuclear weapons.

"We won't give up on peaceful nuclear energy by any means," Pezeshkian said in remarks aired on state TV Sunday.

The president was speaking at a diplomatic forum in Tehran attended by Oman's Foreign Minister, Badr Albusaidi, who's been mediating ongoing nuclear talks between the US and Iran aimed at securing a new agreement over the Islamic Republic's atomic work.

His comments come as the rhetoric between Iranian and US officials intensifies. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday branded President Donald Trump a liar and accused him of power abuse.

Trump is trying to compel Iran to dismantle its nuclear program - a condition Iranian officials warn could jeopardize the negotiations - and has threatened military action if talks to reach a new deal collapse.

"We're not seeking war with anyone. We say they should recognize our rights," Pezeshkian said. "We have the right to conduct peaceful nuclear research and use it. We need this science for health, agriculture, and industry."

Abbas Araghchi, Iran's foreign minister and lead negotiator in the talks, had previously said Tehran wouldn't renounce its right to enrich uranium at home but is open to temporary limits to show its nuclear program is peaceful.