Iran not to abandon peaceful nuclear technology, says president

TEHRAN - Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said the country would not abandon its "peaceful" nuclear technology, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported on Tuesday.

He made the remarks in a meeting with three civil activists while voicing Iran's readiness to prove the peaceful nature of its nuclear program.

Pezeshkian said that Iran has announced repeatedly that it does not seek nuclear weapons based on the policies outlined and a religious decree issued by the country's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, adding that the country is ready for any verification in that regard.

He stressed that, however, the country will not accept being denied the use of nuclear science and technology to treat patients and develop its industry and agriculture.

His remarks come amid heightened tensions between Tehran and Washington, as well as a US military buildup in West Asia.

Iran and the United States concluded the second round of indirect nuclear talks in Geneva on Tuesday. The negotiations were held at Oman's embassy in the Swiss city and mediated by Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi. The first round of the indirect negotiations was held in the Omani capital Muscat on Feb 6.