In a recent development escalating tensions between Iran and the United States, Ali Larijani, a senior adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has indicated that Iran may consider developing nuclear weapons if faced with military aggression from the U.S. or its allies. This statement comes after U.S. President Donald Trump issued threats to bomb Iran unless it agrees to a new nuclear deal.
Larijani emphasized that while Iran is not currently pursuing nuclear armament, any hostile action could compel the nation to reassess its defense strategies. He stated, "We are not moving towards (nuclear) weapons, but if you do something wrong in the Iranian nuclear issue, you will force Iran to move towards that because it has to defend itself."
This rhetoric underscores the fragile state of international relations concerning Iran's nuclear program. The 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), from which the U.S. withdrew in 2018 under President Trump, aimed to limit Iran's nuclear capabilities in exchange for sanctions relief. Since the U.S. exit, efforts to renegotiate terms have been fraught with challenges, leading to increased hostilities and mutual distrust.
The international community remains watchful, as the potential for Iran to develop nuclear weapons could significantly alter the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East and beyond. Diplomatic efforts continue in hopes of de-escalating tensions and finding a peaceful resolution to the ongoing standoff.