Iranian president denies nuclear bomb ambitions and says Tehran is open to inspections

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran does not want a nuclear bomb and is willing to accept international inspections of its nuclear program, according to an interview aired Thursday on Fox News. Pezeshkian blamed the United States for worsening tensions in the Middle East and accused Washington of blocking diplomacy. He said Iran is prepared to lower uranium enrichment levels and allow verification if it helps reduce the conflict. The Iranian leader also said Tehran remains open to reaching an agreement with the U.S., but argued that military strikes and sanctions have undermined talks. He said Iran does not want the war to continue and insisted the country would defend itself if attacked.