Iran President Pezeshkian Says Developing Nuclear Weapons Is Forbidden in Islam

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said that developing nuclear weapons is forbidden under Islam, while reiterating that Tehran does not seek to build a nuclear bomb. Pezeshkian made the comments during an interview with CBS News’ Face the Nation recorded on September 25 and broadcast on September 27, 2026, amid ongoing tensions between Iran and the United States over Tehran’s nuclear programme.

Asked about Iran’s position on nuclear weapons, Pezeshkian said, “Developing nuclear weapons is haram,” using the Islamic term for something religiously prohibited.

He stressed that his position was based on religious belief rather than simply a legal obligation. According to the Iranian president, even if individuals within Iran wanted to develop nuclear weapons, they would not be permitted to pursue that path on religious grounds.

Pezeshkian also said Iran was prepared to continue discussions over its nuclear programme within the framework of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and other existing international agreements.

When asked whether Iran would allow international nuclear inspectors back into the country, Pezeshkian indicated that Tehran would accept inspections as part of an agreement. “That is absolutely correct,” he said, while arguing that Iran’s nuclear facilities had previously been subject to international monitoring.

The comments came as Iran and the United States remained engaged in indirect diplomatic efforts over the country’s nuclear programme and the wider conflict in the Middle East.

Pezeshkian has repeatedly maintained that Iran’s nuclear programme is intended for peaceful purposes. In a separate interview with Fox News during his visit to New York for the United Nations General Assembly, he said Iran had never sought nuclear weapons and was prepared to comply with the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

Iran’s position has faced international scrutiny, particularly over its stockpile of highly enriched uranium and questions surrounding access for inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency.

During his address to the United Nations General Assembly on September 23, Pezeshkian also criticised what he described as a double standard over nuclear weapons in the region, pointing to Israel’s undeclared nuclear arsenal while defending Iran’s position on its own nuclear programme.

Pezeshkian’s latest comments therefore combine Iran’s religious objection to nuclear weapons with its stated willingness to negotiate limits and verification arrangements concerning its nuclear activities.

The remarks come as diplomatic efforts continue over Iran’s nuclear programme, with both sides facing significant disagreements over inspections, sanctions, security guarantees and the future of Iran’s enrichment activities.