• Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian denies any plot to assassinate US President-elect Donald Trump.
• The denial follows a US Justice Department charge related to an alleged assassination scheme.
• Pezeshkian expresses a desire for a peaceful dialogue while criticizing previous US commitments.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has categorically denied allegations that Iran plotted to assassinate President-elect Donald Trump, labeling such claims as unfounded and politically motivated. In an exclusive interview aired on NBC News, Pezeshkian stated, "We have never attempted this [the assassination bid] to begin with, and we never will" (Al Jazeera). These remarks come in the wake of a charge issued by the US Justice Department in November, which implicated an Iranian national in an alleged plot ordered by Iran’s Revolutinary Guard Corps targeting Trump due to his administration's past actions against Iran.

The president asserted that such allegations are part of what he described as "schemes that Israel and other countries are designing to promote Iranophobia." He emphasized that Iran does not engage in attempts to bring harm to others, explicitly denying involvement in any assasination efforts (Times of India). Pezeshkian highlighted that the claims stem from US political narratives and stated his government's willingness for dialogue, which he believes is undermined by the lack of mutual trust and adherence to commitments by the US.

During the interview, he also reiterated Iran's position on its nuclear program, describing it as strictly peaceful and warning against escalations that could lead to conflict. Pezeshkian expressed hopes that Trump would pursue peace rather than confrontation, stating, "We do not fear war, but we do not seek it" (USA Today). The Iranian president's comments highlight ongoing tensions between the two nations, exacerbated by Trump's previous withdrawal from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and the subsequent reimposition of sanctions.

Amid these geopolitical strains, Pezeshkian remains hopeful for a future of diplomatic engagement, emphasizing that previous negotiations hint at a possibility of renewed discussions if both sides honor their commitments. The Iranian administration conveyed messages about their intent to avoid aggression through Swiss intermediaries, offering reassurances that they are not plotting to harm Trump or anyone else (Al Jazeera).

For further details, you can read the full articles from Times of India, Al Jazeera, and USA Today.