Tehran's interim Friday prayer leader declared Iran will continue uranium enrichment activities despite international pressure, stating concerns stem from technology rather than nuclear weapons fears, Defapress reported on May 30.

Firebrand Ahmad Khatami rejected Western restrictions on Iran's nuclear programme, stressing enrichment represents a legitimate national right that will continue regardless of opposition.

His comments come as the US and Iran continue to negotiate over the country’s nuclear power programme, with comments in some media outlets suggesting the two sides are close to a historic deal. Iran's foreign ministry later denied the reports.

Speaking during Friday prayers in Tehran, Khatami addressed nuclear programme critics, stating: "They say Iran is pursuing nuclear bombs, but we don't have nuclear bombs. Their concern isn't about bombs, it's about technology."

The cleric highlighted Iran's uranium enrichment achievements, noting the country reached 20% enrichment levels despite initial claims Iran lacked rights to operate even a single centrifuge.

"To spite enemies, we have enriched and will continue to do so. They said you have no right to enrichment? They are wrong. Enrichment is our legitimate right and we will continue it. Of course we are not pursuing atomic bombs," Khatami declared.

The Friday prayer leader highlighted national self-confidence as a key principle from the Islamic Revolution's founding, contrasting current achievements with previous regime claims that Iranians "couldn't accomplish anything."

Khatami referenced the approaching 36th anniversary of the Islamic Republic’s founder, Ruhollah Khomeini's death, current Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's leadership, and the June 5, 1963, uprising as foundational moments, noting “God-centredness,” duty-oriented approaches and system preservation.

The cleric stressed unity principles, noting Imam Khomeini warned against division 120 times during his 10-year leadership, whilst acknowledging that differing opinions represent signs of a free society.

Regarding Gaza, Khatami praised Yemeni support for Palestinians, stating: “Bravo to the Yemenis. They said: We defeated America, we will also defeat Israel.”

The sermon concluded with criticism of Israeli actions in Gaza, declaring that “occupiers rather than Palestinians should leave the territory.”