W związku z zakulisowymi kontaktami w sprawie negocjacji nuklearnych USA-Iran oraz ogłoszenia przez prezydenta USA Donalda Trumpa rozmów USA-Iran w ciągu najbliższych kilku dni, wysocy rangą przedstawiciele Iranu w marcu i kwietniu 2025 r. wzywali do zmiany doktryny nuklearnej Iranu, z obecnej deklarowanej polityki programu nuklearnego wyłącznie dla celów cywilnych na program rozwoju broni jądrowej. W serii oświadczeń członkowie Madżlisu, komentatorzy, strony internetowe i rzecznicy reżimu zwrócili się do decydentów o porzucenie deklarowanej zasady religijnej reżimu – która jest fałszywa i opiera się na nieistniejącej fatwie Najwyższego Przywódcy Iranu Alego Chameneiego – zakazującej broni jądrowej, i rozpoczęcie jej produkcji. [1] Dla tych wysokich rangą przedstawicieli zmiana ta jest uzasadniona groźbami USA wobec Iranu.
Teraz przedstawiciele reżimu twierdzą, że ta fatwa zakazująca broni jądrowej, która została przedstawiona jako wiążące prawo religijne – i której nieistnienie MEMRI wielokrotnie udowodnił [2] – jest otwarta na interpretację, adaptację, a nawet tymczasowe zamrożenie w przypadku stanu wyjątkowego, przede wszystkim w celu „obrony istnienia reżimu”. Obecnie argumentuje się, że w tych okolicznościach możliwe, a nawet obowiązkowe jest odstąpienie od niej.
Na przykład strona internetowa Nournews, która jest powiązana z Najwyższą Radą Bezpieczeństwa Narodowego Iranu, zajmującą się polityką nuklearną i podejmowaniem decyzji, ostrzegła 2 kwietnia 2025 r., że „jeśli istnienie Iranu jest zagrożone przez Amerykę i Izrael, obrona wszelkimi dostępnymi i potencjalnymi środkami będzie konieczna i uzasadniona”. Opiera się to na zasadzie ojca irańskiej rewolucji islamskiej, ajatollaha Ruhollaha Chomeiniego, tj. że zachowanie reżimu ma pierwszeństwo przed innymi zasadami, takimi jak orzeczenia prawoznawców.
Innymi przykładami były wypowiedzi Alego Laridżjaniego, głównego doradcy Najwyższego Przywódcy Chameneiego, który powiedział 31 marca, że gdyby USA „popełniły błąd w kwestii nuklearnej Iranu”, zmusiłoby to Iran do podjęcia działań nuklearnych w samoobronie. Ponadto Mansour Hakikatpour, były członek Madżlisu, powiedział kilka dni później, 4 kwietnia, że jeśli Iran zostanie zbombardowany „uderzymy również w Dimonę [w Izraelu] bronią nuklearną”, podkreślając, że czas potrzebny do wyprodukowania broni jądrowej przez Iran wynosi obecnie zaledwie tydzień i że „nawet jeśli Najwyższy Przywódca zakazał użycia broni jądrowej, nigdy nie zakazał uzyskania wiedzy, aby ją wyprodukować”. Podobnie, 6 kwietnia Mohammad Kassem Osmani, członek Komisji Planowania i Budżetu Madżlisu, wezwał do „szybkiego uzyskania broni jądrowej w celu poradzenia sobie z globalną arogancją” – co jest nazwą reżimu irańskiego na USA – na równych prawach przy stole negocjacyjnym. Również członek Madżlisu Mohammad Reza Sabaghian powiedział 8 kwietnia, po ogłoszeniu przez prezydenta Trumpa, że odbędą się bezpośrednie rozmowy USA-Iran, że „odpowiedzią dla Trumpa i [premiera Izraela Benjamina] Netanjahu jest budowa broni jądrowej”.
Poparcie dla zmiany doktryny, która miałaby służyć interesom narodu i reżimu, przyszło również ze środowisk reformatorskich w Iranie. Były minister kultury i przewodnictwa islamskiego, Ataollah Mohadżerani napisał 5 kwietnia w reformatorskiej gazecie „E’etamaad”, że „zmianę doktryny [nuklearnej] można postrzegać jako logiczny, uzasadniony i celowy ruch, który służy interesom narodowym i rewolucyjnym Iranu”. Przedstawił również religijne podstawy tego, których użyto w perskich protestach tytoniowych w 1890 r.
Oprócz argumentu, że posiadanie broni jądrowej jest uzasadnione potrzebą ochrony przetrwania reżimu i rewolucji, przedstawiciele reżimu powtórzyli twierdzenie, że zapewnią odstraszanie i stabilność poprzez równowagę zagrożenia nuklearnego. Te argumenty, utrzymujące, że „odstraszanie nuklearne zapobiega wojnie”, podniesiono wcześniej w związku z negocjacjami z administracją Bidena. 31 marca Ahmad Naderi, członek Komitetu Prezydenckiego Madżlisu, napisał na Twitterze „Gdybyśmy mieli bombę, Trump by nam nie groził” i podał Koreę Północną jako przykład, a 18 marca gazeta „Vatan-e Emrooz”, która jest powiązana z obozem ideologicznym w Iranie, napisała, że „Iran ma ważne powody, aby rozwijać broń jądrową”, przede wszystkim bezpośrednie zagrożenia ze strony USA i Izraela oraz potrzebę skutecznego odstraszania.
[Ciąg dalszy tekstu – przegląd oświadczeń wysokich rangą przedstawicieli irańskich oraz rzeczników reżimu z marca i kwietnia 2025 r., z publicznymi wezwaniami do produkcji przez Iran broni jądrowej – nie jest spolszczony]
Ali Larijani, Senior Advisor To Supreme Leader Khamenei: If The U.S. Were To „Make A Mistake,” It Would „Force Iran To Go In That [Nuclear] Direction”
On March 31, 2025, Ali Larijani, senior advisor to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and a member of the regime’s Expediency Council, told Iranian Shabake-ye Khabar TV in an interview that were the U.S. to „make a mistake on the Iran nuclear issue,” this would force Iran to take nuclear action in self-defense. „Iran will have no choice,” he said, because an attack by America or Israel would lead Iran to reexamine its position on nuclear weapons despite Khamenei’s ban on working to produce them, because „the public will exert pressure to do it for the sake of the country’s security.” He added that a military attack would not be able to damage Iran’s nuclear program.
To view this clip on MEMRI TV, click here or below:
Nournews, Affiliated With Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, Reiterates Larijani’s Threat To Develop Nuclear Weapons, Asking „Is The U.S. Prepared For The Consequences Of This Dangerous Game?”
On April 2, 2025, the website Nournews, which is affiliated with Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, the body responsible for policy and decision-making on the nuclear issue together with Supreme Leader Khamenei, reiterated on X Larijani’s threat to develop nuclear weapons. The following is a translation of the post:
„Ali Larijani, while emphasizing Iran’s policy of refraining from developing nuclear weapons, explained that the use of unconventional pressure could lead to unconventional reactions. If Iran’s existence is threatened by America and Israel, then defense by all available and potential means will be necessary and legitimate.”[3]
The previous day, Nournews had posted in English: „# Trump has threatened Iran with bombing; an action targeting existence and national security. # Larijani warned that the realization of these threats would push # Iran, under public pressure, toward building # nukes. Is the # U.S. ready for the consequences of this dangerous game?”[4]
Majlis Presidential Committee Member Ahmad Naderi: „If We Were Equipped with An Atom Bomb, Trump Would Not Dare To Threaten To Bomb Us”
On March 31, 2025, Ahmad Naderi, a member of the Majli Presidential Committee, wrote on X that nuclear deterrence was what had brought security to North Korea against Trump, hinting that Iran should follow a similar path. He said that the demand to develop and announce Iran’s possession of a nuclear bomb has become widespread among senior officials who are concerned about preserving the Islamic revolution. The following is a translation of Nadri’s post:
„Looking at Trump’s behavior and words vis-à-vis North Korea during his first term shows that the possession of a nuclear bomb has brought security to North Korea. For a long time, many in the [Iranian] elites and those concerned about the future of the country and the revolution have demanded a [nuclear] test and an announcement that [Iran] has a bomb. If we were equipped with an atom bomb, Trump wouldn’t dare to threaten to bomb us.”[5]
Vatan-E Emrooz Daily: „[This] Is The Year Of The Atom;” Trump’s Policy Feeds „A Growing Tendency Among The Countries Of The World To Acquire Nuclear Weapons;” „Iran Has Significant Reasons For Developing Nuclear Weapons”
Two weeks earlier, on March 18, 2025, the daily Vatan-e Emrooz, which is close to the ideological camp in Iran, published an article stating that Iran has significant reasons for developing nuclear weapons, including for defense and deterrence against its enemies and as a tool for strengthening its regional position in global politics. These explicit statements followed a lengthy discussion in the article focusing on the claim that the collapse of trust in the U.S. is a global factor incentivizing a nuclear arms race.
The article is based on a Foreign Policy article warning of the collapse of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) regime and the beginning of an era of nuclear proliferation due to America’s withdrawal from its security commitments to its friends. The Vatan-e Emrooz article states that Iran too has a clear pretext for changing its position, both in light of direct threats to it from nuclear powers and in order to strengthen its strategic and political standing. The following is a translation of the main points of the article:
„’An America that cannot be trusted means a growing tendency among the countries of the world to acquire nuclear weapons. Without credible security guarantees from America, the proliferation of nuclear weapons will increase rapidly in Europe and Asia.’ This is what the magazine Foreign Policy warns, describing the situation that awaits the world in the coming years. The NPT regime could face fundamental challenges in the years to come.
„U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent policy has alienated America’s traditional allies in Europe. Trump and his team have publicly stated that America no longer wants to carry Europe’s defense spending. For Europe, which has entrusted its security to America for 75 years, this is a shock. Following the meeting between Trump and [Ukrainian President] Zelensky, Europe concluded that the survival of NATO and America’s nuclear defense umbrella are at risk. Trump’s threat to withdraw from commitments to NATO is not an issue that Europeans can ignore.
„The change in American policy does not threaten only its European allies. For Ukraine, it is a security disaster, but the greater threat is the unrestrained proliferation of nuclear weapons. The Foreign Policy [article] states that although strengthening ties between the two nuclear powers – America and Russia – may ostensibly reduce the risk of nuclear war, the reality is the opposite. The world is facing a significant shift to nuclear instability, in which many countries will try to develop nuclear arsenals. Countries such as South Korea, Japan, and Saudi Arabia are considered 'covert’ nuclear states with the potential to produce nuclear weapons, as are Germany, Belgium, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands.
„Saudi officials have pointed out that if Iran acquires nuclear weapons, the Saudis will do likewise. Saudi Arabia has significantly supported Pakistan’s nuclear program, with the understanding that Pakistan will be able to expand its nuclear defense umbrella, and even provide it with nuclear weapons if necessary…
„Should one of the European or Asian countries develop nuclear weapons, there could be a domino effect that will lead other countries to join the nuclear race, and thus lead to the collapse of the NPT regime in Asia… The stability of Europe, which once relied on American nuclear guarantees, is rapidly collapsing, leading to a policy of nuclear armament on the continent.
„Iran also has significant reasons for developing nuclear weapons. As one of the countries threatened by nuclear powers such as America and Israel, nuclear weapons can strengthen Iran’s defense capabilities and prevent possible attacks. In addition, nuclear weapons will enable Iran to strengthen its regional position and influence international negotiation processes. This development will enable Iran to use nuclear weapons as a tool of deterrence and increase its influence in global politics…”[6]
In an April 6, 2025 public Majlis session, Mohammad Qassem Othmani, a member of the Majlis Planning and Budget Committee and a representative of the city of Bukan, called for developing nuclear weapons in order to counter the „global arrogance” – the Iranian regime’s term for the U.S. – from an equal standing in the negotiations.
Othmani said: „This year, we must take a path chosen with revolutionary wisdom and intellect, in order to ensure national interests and make certain that our independence and national and religious pride are not damaged. Avoiding military confrontation is a requirement of logic and reason, but the exaggerated desires and ambitions of the global arrogance are such that there is no choice but to swiftly pursue nuclear weapons, unless we have [other] tools for dealing with their coercion and greed. [Our] nuclear know-how, in which many resources have been invested, must be used in every field, and especially in security, so that this knowledge will bring us today to equal standing in the negotiations.”[7]
Mohammad Qassem Othmani (Source: Khabarfoori.com, April 6, 2025)
Majlis Member Mohammad Reza Sabaghian: „The Answer To Trump And Netanyahu – Building Nuclear Weapons”
On April 8, 2025, the day after President Trump announced that the U.S. would hold direct negotiations with Iran, Mohammad Reza Sabaghian, the Majlis member representing the cities of Mehriz and Afiq, said in a speech to the Majlis that the answer to Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu was to produce nuclear weapons. The following is a translation of his statements:
„Distinguished diplomats! Decision makers! In foreign relations, do not fall into the same pit twice! Mr. [Iranian President] Pezeshkian! Do not be lured by the carrot or deterred by the stick of Trump, who has proven that his ears are in the mouth of the Zionist Netanyahu. The solution to [Iran’s] economic problems lies within the state.”
„Distinguished diplomats! You must know that America has a problem with our defensive weapons and missiles, and it has not permitted even its allies and partners in the region to build such systems. It also has a problem with nuclear technology and with our [uranium] enrichment capability – capabilities that it has not permitted even to subservient countries or to their hangers-on. Know that America has a problem with our regime’s independence and with the leader, who does not submit. Why don’t you want to understand this? Do not be tempted [to negotiate with the U.S.].
„Gentlemen of the National Security Council! Trump is the one who wants to negotiate – the same Trump who even tore up the [nuclear] agreement [the 2015 JCPOA] signed with Obama, in which we received too little. I do not fear negotiations – I fear the weak people who negotiated on our behalf. Bullies must be confronted. The answer to Trump and Netanyahu is to build nuclear weapons and become stronger.”[8]
Former Culture And Islamic Guidance Minister Ataollah Mohajerani: „We Can Also Provide Religious And Political Reasons For A Shift In The [Nuclear] Doctrine… In Light Of Trump’s Repeated Threats To Bomb Iran, And Netanyahu’s Positions, A Doctrinal Shift Can Be Considered A Logical, Legitimate, And Purposeful Move Serving Iran’s National And Revolutionary Interests”
In an April 5, 2025 article in the reformist newspaper E’etemad, reformist former Culture and Islamic Guidance minister Ataollah Mohajerani expressed his support for Khamenei advisor Ali Larijani’s statements about changing Iran’s nuclear doctrine and developing nuclear weapons in the event that nuclear facilities in Iran came under attack and there was public pressure to develop them. Mohajerani praised Larijani’s cautious wording on this issue, and enumerated seven points justifying a shift in doctrine and production of nuclear weapons, among them the establishment of a nuclear balance of deterrence such as that between Pakistan and India. The following is a translation of the main points of the article:
„A change in Iran’s nuclear doctrine? In an interview, Dr. Ali Larijani indirectly alluded to this position or view, saying: 'In the event of the bombing of nuclear sites in Iran, and following demands and pressure from the people, Iran may be forced to shift its nuclear doctrine and move toward the production of nuclear weapons.’ Fortunately, Dr. Ali Larijani expressed this position with great wisdom and discretion, and with attention to the words he used… Regarding a change in Iran’s nuclear doctrine, several points can be addressed:
„1. America, which has the most advanced nuclear weapons in the world and invests every year in expanding them both quantitatively and qualitatively – and is also the only country that has used nuclear weapons against people, in the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki – cannot take the lead in the struggle against nuclear weapons or against the aspirations of other countries to obtain them. When its [America’s] mouth is full of dates, how can she forbid dates for others? I visited the Hiroshima Peace [Memorial] Museum on the anniversary of the atomic bombing. Any American who sees this museum could not be blamed for dying of shame.
„2. The country that is preferred by the empire of America and the West in western Asia, that is, the Zionist entity, Israel, went nuclear in the 1960s, with help from France. It has not accepted any oversight and has even threatened several times to bomb Iran.
„3. Before the [1979 Islamic] revolution, during a visit to Iran by then-[Israeli] prime minister Yitzhak Rabin and then-defense minister Shimon Peres, they deceived Mohammad Reza Shah [Pahlavi, 1941-1979], and took $1.2 billion from Iran (in the currency at that time) in exchange for a promise to sell it five nuclear warheads! This issue was mentioned in memoirs by senior Israeli officials, including Shimon Peres, although not in detail.
„4. The deterrent capability of nuclear weapons is impossible to ignore. Had Pakistan not acquired nuclear weapons, thanks to the efforts and knowledge of the late Abdul Qadir Khan, then with the rise of radical Hinduism and the Modi government in India, which is closely tied to Zionism, it is impossible to know what would have happened to Pakistan’s national security or what else might happen.
„5. In any event, had Mohammad Reza Shah’s idiotic ambition been implemented wisely, and Iran, based on the theoretical, technical, and scientific knowledge it currently possesses, had obtained nuclear weapons, [Iraqi leader] Saddam [Hussein] and his American, Russian, Western, and Arab partners would not have dared to attack Iran.
„6. Iran’s, the Islamic Revolution’s, and the Islamic Republic regime’s ability to survive and be powerful are not to be taken lightly. With the exception of America, which has actually used nuclear weapons, the other nuclear states in the world have to date always leveraged them as a tool and as a means of deterrence.
„7. Jurisprudent, religious, and political reasons for changing the [nuclear] doctrine can also be raised, especially from the perspective of 'secondary laws’ [i.e. a religious term that indicates religious rulings] regarding special times, conditions, and circumstances. In my opinion, in light of Trump’s repeated threats to bomb Iran, and Netanyahu’s positions, a change in the [nuclear] doctrine can be seen as a logical, legitimate, and purposeful move that serves Iran’s national and revolutionary interests.”[9]
Former Majlis Member Mansour Haqiqatpour: „There Were Times When Our Religious Sages Ruled That Smoking Tobacco And The Hookah Was Forbidden… But When Time And Circumstance Changed, So Did This Ruling;” „The Supreme Leader Forbade The Use Of Nuclear Weapons, But He Has Never Forbidden Obtaining The Knowledge To Produce Them;” „Our [Nuclear] Breakout Time Has Been Brought Down To One Week;” „If The Enemy Bombs Areas In Our Territory, We Will Also Strike Dimona In Israel With Nuclear Weapons”
In an April 4, 2025 interview with the Jamaran News website, former Majlis member Mansour Haqiqatpour noted President Trump’s demand that Iran negotiate on its nuclear program, and expressed his full support for statements by Khamenei advisor Ali Larijani, who had said that should Iran be attacked, it will be forced to develop nuclear weapons. Haqiqatpour also conjectured that Larijani’s statements were made in accordance with the opinions of senior regime officials, adding that Iran’s response to U.S. pressure should indeed be negotiations or nuclear bombing – but by Iran.
Haqiqatpour said that in light of the circumstances, there should be public debate on the issue. Explaining that religious rulings in Shi’ite Islam vary according to time and place, and referring to Khamenei’s (nonexistent) fatwa banning nuclear weapons, he raised Ayatollah Mirza Hassan Shirazi’s (d. 1895) fatwa against tobacco use and the role it played in the 1890 Persian Tobacco Protests against the permission granted by the shah at that time to a British company for exclusive control of the tobacco market in Iran. In accordance with the fatwa, tobacco use across the country came to a halt, leading to the cancellation of the agreement with the British company. With this accomplished, Ayatollah Shirazi rescinded his fatwa. Haqiqatpour said that although the Supreme Leader had forbidden the use of nuclear weapons, he had never forbidden obtaining the knowledge to produce them and added that Iran’s nuclear breakout time currently stood at only one week, and that if it were to be attacked, it would respond with nuclear weapons aimed at Dimona, southern Israel. The following is a translation of Haqiqatpour’s statements in the interview:
„Fatwas by Shi’ite religious scholars are subject to time and place. In the past, too, there were times when our religious sages ruled that smoking tobacco and the hookah was forbidden, and this ruling thwarted British colonialist activity in our country. But when time and circumstance changed, so did this ruling. The same is true of nuclear weapons: The Supreme Leader forbade the use of nuclear weapons, but he has never forbidden obtaining the knowledge to produce them. Today we have no nuclear weapons, but if we are threatened with nuclear weapons, should we defend ourselves, or sit idly by and be destroyed like Hiroshima and Nagasaki?
„They [the Americans] say: Either negotiations or bombing. We also say: Either negotiations or a nuclear bomb. In other words, if you bully us, our young scientists too have the capability to build nuclear weapons, and despite the hateful eyes of Israel and America, our [nuclear] breakout time has been brought down to one week. Today we are threatened by those with only three centuries of history, while our culture is 5,000 years old. Therefore, in my opinion, Mr. Larijani’s words were completely logical, and as an advisor to the Supreme Leader, he must have consulted with senior regime officials before saying such things.
„The Islamic Republic is not Libya, Syria, or Ukraine, which anyone can threaten. For years we met our commitments and reached [uranium] enrichment of 3.6%, but they continued to impose sanctions and pressure us. Under such conditions, should we continue to make do with low enrichment? We have not yet built nuclear weapons, but if the enemy bombs areas in our territory, we will also strike Dimona in Israel with nuclear weapons.”[10]
Article In Hebrew On Nournews Website, Affiliated With Iran’s Supreme National Security Council: „When Faced With Serious Threats, Iran May Temporarily Relinquish Some Basic Principles So As To Ensure The Survival Of The Islamic Regime;” „Changes In Iran’s Nuclear Policy Are The Result Of External Pressures, Especially In The Face Of Military Threats From The U.S. And The Zionist Regime”
An April 2, 2025 an article in mistake-filled Hebrew on the Nournews website, which is affiliated with Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, examined the statements by Khamenei advisor Ali Larijani about a possible change in Iran’s nuclear policy in response to threats from the U.S. and Israel. The article stated that Larijani had clarified that Iran refrains from developing nuclear weapons in accordance with the Supreme Leader’s [alleged] fatwa, but warned that severe military threats may lead Iran to consider using secondary religious rulings for a temporary change in policy. In emergency situations, when the very existence of the Islamic regime is in danger, certain religious obligations can be suspended in order to preserve the regime, in accordance with the statement of the founder of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.
The following is the translation of the Nournews article:
„Did Larijani Announce A Change In Iran’s Nuclear Policy?
„The statements by Ali Larijani, advisor to the Supreme Leader, regarding the possibility of changing Iran’s nuclear policy in the face of military threats from the U.S. and the Zionist regime, have had far-reaching consequences at home and abroad. Larijani stressed that Iran, in accordance with the fatwa and the Supreme Leader’s policy, is refraining from developing nuclear weapons, but that external pressures may push Iran to take advantage of the secondary rulings and go ahead and develop weapons.
„A Detailed Analysis Of Ali Larijani’s Statements And The Challenges Of Misinterpretation
„While some analysts and officials in the country have criticized Larijani’s statements, it is important to note their accuracy and credibility. In his speech, Larijani clearly emphasized that Iran, in accordance with the fatwa and the Supreme Leader’s principled strategy, is refraining from producing or using nuclear weapons. However, he stressed that external threats, especially from the U.S. and the Zionist entity, and in the event that the very existence and essence of the Islamic regime are under attack, could force Iran to change this policy. This change is not a voluntary choice on Iran’s part, but rather a response to external pressures and threats to national security. Therefore, any analysis or interpretation that attempts to present Larijani’s approach as a change in Iran’s principled position on the nuclear issue would be wrong.
„Emphasis On Secondary Laws And The Need To Maintain System Integrity
„Larijani correctly pointed out that in times of crisis and threats to national security, Iran can take advantage of secondary legal rulings. These rulings can lead to the suspension of some basic religious obligations. This turn to secondary rulings means adapting to emergency situations in which safeguarding the Islamic system [i.e. the Islamic regime of Iran] and the security of the state are considered obligations. Imam Khomeini’s famous statement, 'preserving the Islamic system is an obligation,’ also confirms this legal and strategic orientation. Thus, when faced with serious threats, Iran may temporarily relinquish some basic principles so as to ensure the survival of the Islamic regime. It is not only Iran, but every political system in the world, when faced with an external threat and a danger to its existence, that will use all possible and actual means to defend itself as a legitimate and acceptable means.
„Responding To Criticism And The Importance Of Strengthening Deterrence
„In recent days, some analysts and officials in the country have responded and criticized Larijani’s statements. These comments may be the result of a misunderstanding or misinterpretation of his statements. But the important point is that Larijani’s statements indicate the need to strengthen the principle of deterrence in crisis situations. This principle of deterrence actually reflects Iran’s ability to deal with external threats, and Larijani rightly noted that ignoring this principle could expose Iran to serious risks. In critical situations, it is necessary to take deterrent measures so that enemies cannot take advantage of their threats.
„Trump’s Threats And Their Implications For Iran’s Nuclear Policy
„U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent threats to launch a massive bombing campaign against Iran have raised deep concerns around the world, especially within Iran. In an interview with NBC, Trump explicitly stated that the U.S. is ready to launch massive military attacks against Iran if Iran moves to develop nuclear weapons. These threats come as Larijani rightly warned that such steps would not only not halt Iran’s nuclear program but could also push Iran to accelerate its pursuit of nuclear weapons. This situation indicates fundamental changes in Iran’s approach as a result of external pressures, and the responsibility for these developments will fall entirely on the U.S. and on its allies.
„The Zionist Regime’s Role In Escalating The Tensions
„Larijani noted that one of the main causes of the escalation of tensions in the region is the Zionist entity. Israel, which has been seeking for years to shift the security architecture of the Middle East in its favor, is now dealing with internal crises and economic problems. The Zionist regime is seeking to manage its domestic crises by inciting the U.S. to take hostile measures against Iran. But experience has shown that Israel’s aggressive policy will only lead to increased unrest in the region, and will exacerbate security crises. This policy not only serves the interests of the Zionist regime, but also endangers the security of the region and the world.
„Ali Larijani’s statements were presented as a strategic warning about the impact of external threats on Iran’s nuclear policy and the need to strengthen deterrence in times of crisis. Iran will not voluntarily move toward nuclear weapons under any circumstances, but ongoing threats from adversaries could create conditions that push Iran to make decisions it has so far avoided. Therefore, it is important to note that changes in Iran’s nuclear policy are the result of external pressures, especially in the face of military threats from the U.S. and the Zionist regime. In order to prevent these developments, it is necessary to strengthen the principle of deterrence and to take strategic steps against external threats.”[11]
[1] It should be noted that this is not the first series of statements by senior officials this year calling for producing nuclear weapons. See MEMRI Inquiry & Analysis No. 1784, In Advance Of Revival Of U.S.-Iran Nuclear Talks, Iranian Calls For Iran To Possess Nuclear Weapons Are Again Heard, September 5, 2024; Inquiry & Analysis No. 1761, Senior Iranian Regime Officials Warn Of Iran’s Coming Nuclear Breakout, April 25, 2024.
[2] See collected MEMRI reports on Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s nonexistent fatwa: Special Dispatch No. 11833, Iranian Regime Continues To Lie About The Alleged Fatwa Banning Nuclear Weapons, February 11, 2025.
[3] X.com/nournews_ir/status/1907398226405113910, April 2, 2025.
[4] X.com/nournewsen/status/1907065431115858136?s=46&t=T94zB2Rhaa8aiaI9pS8VIQ, April 1, 2025.
[5] X.com/ahmadnaderi_ir/status/1906701009214185917?s=46&t=T94zB2Rhaa8aiaI9pS8VIQ, March 31, 2025.
[6] Vatanemrooz.ir, March 18, 2025.
[7] Khabarfoori.com, April 6, 2025.
[8] Hamshahrionline.ir, April 4, 2025.
[9] Etemadnewspaper.ir, April 5, 2025.
[10] Jamaran.news, April 4, 2025.
[11] Nournews.ir, April 2, 2026.
