LAHORE: Consul General of Iran Mehran Movahedfar says Tehran will never compromise on the peaceful use of its nuclear programme, emphasising that a religious decree issued by the Iranian supreme leader explicitly forbids the development of weapons of mass destruction.

He visited the University of South Asia (USA) here on Tuesday and met with Vice Chancellor Mian Imran Masood and faculty.

Addressing the academia, Mr Movahedfar praised Pakistan’s unprecedented intervention in global diplomacy, recognising its role as the primary mediator in the US-Iran war.

The Iranian envoy extended gratitude to Pakistan’s civilian and military leadership, observing that Pakistan’s diplomatic, strategic and military leadership acted in unison to steer the highly volatile conflict toward a resolution.

Reflecting on the cultural and ideological bonds tying the two neighboring nations together, he noted that the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini was a true admirer of Pakistan’s national poet, Allama Iqbal.

Vice Chancellor Mian Imran Masood proposed the signing of comprehensive MoUs between the University of South Asia and leading Iranian universities.

“The proposed academic framework aims to facilitate joint technological research, cultural initiatives, and faculty and student exchange programmes,” he said.

Mr Movahedfar appreciated the proposal and assured the university of the consulate’s complete facilitation in establishing institutional linkages.

During a question-and-answer session with faculty members, the consul general reiterated that Tehran’s programme remained exclusively focused on peaceful, civilian purposes.

Published in Dawn, July 1st, 2026