Nuclear Arms as Iran’s Last Line of Defense Against Threats
WANA (Nov 02) – In an interview with Al-Mayadeen, Kamal Kharazi, head of Iran’s Strategic Council on Foreign Relations and former foreign minister, openly suggested that if Iran faces serious threats, it may consider moving towards nuclear weapons development.
Kharazi also warned of Europe’s hostile stances and hinted that Iran might increase the range of its missiles. He emphasized that “Iran is technically capable of building a nuclear weapon, but it has yet to decide to do so.” Is this just a rhetorical warning, or does it signal a shift in Middle Eastern security dynamics?
Iran Must Acquire Nuclear Weapons
WANA (Sep 30) – In light of the ongoing massacre of Gaza and Lebanon by the Israeli regime, a serious question has emerged in public discourse: Is it not time for Iran to acquire nuclear weapons? Israel, which has long been armed with nuclear weapons, feels no limitations in its actions. The genocide in […]
1. A Formal Message or Diplomatic Warning?
Though Kharazi does not hold an official government position, he is a trusted adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader on foreign affairs, meaning his comments are not disconnected from broader state perspectives.
This is not the first time he has underscored the possibility of a shift in Iran’s nuclear doctrine, and his statements likely reflect coordinated views from high-level authorities. Iran’s Supreme Leader has repeatedly asserted that producing and maintaining weapons of mass destruction is “forbidden” in Islam and that Iran does not intend to develop nuclear weapons.
However, he has also noted, “If we wanted to, no one could stop us.” This stance implies that Iran is committed to abstaining from nuclear weapon development unless facing a serious threat and without altering its doctrine.
Seyed Kamal Kharazi, Chair of the Strategic Council of Foreign Relations of #Iran:
“If #Israel dares and wants to make a nuclear threat to Iran, we may reconsider our nuclear doctrine.” pic.twitter.com/gTlSkKkCUx— WANA News Agency (@WANAIran) May 12, 2024
Interestingly, senior Iranian officials have not refuted these statements, giving Kharazi’s message a more serious tone. He indirectly hinted at a possible “shift in the balance of deterrence against Israel.” Despite Iran and its allies’ conventional military superiority in the region, Israel, as a nuclear power, remains a significant threat to Iran.
Kharazi subtly suggested that altering this balance could potentially allow Iran to counter the nuclear threat posed by Israel and its allies, reshaping the security equations in Iran’s favor and enhancing its deterrent power.
2. Missile Range: Europe Within Reach
Kharazi also suggested the possibility of extending the range of Iranian missiles. This threat indicates that Iran intends to overshadow Europe’s role in the region through its potential missile and nuclear capabilities.
The Supreme Leader has previously stated that “our missile capability is non-negotiable and must be preserved as a deterrent power.” This emphasis on missile capability seems to serve as a warning to European countries that, through sanctions and pressure, are trying to limit Iran’s policies.
A banner with a photo of a new hypersonic ballistic missile called “Fattah” and with text reading “400 seconds to Tel Aviv” is seen in a street in Tehran, Iran June 8, 2023. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)
While Europe is currently more focused on the threat from Russia, the introduction of long-range Iranian missiles into Europe’s threat sphere would impose significant security, economic, and military costs on the continent.
3. A Clear Message to the West: Iran Also Has Nuclear Potential
Kharazi’s statements directly reminded the U.S., Europe, and Israel of Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities. In an interview with Al Jazeera, he emphasized, “If pressures on Iran become unbearable, the country might change its course.”
This explicit warning signals that if the West continues to apply pressure, Iran may indeed move towards nuclear weapon development. He made it clear that Western countries would be wise to avoid actions that might push the Islamic Republic toward altering its nuclear doctrine.
Revealing Iran’s Strategy: From Western Defeat to Nuclear Weapons Threshold
WANA (Oct 17) – Among the people of Iran, especially those who are less involved in political issues or are opponents of the Islamic Republic, there has always been the question of why Iran should spend its resources to help neighboring countries while it faces economic challenges and needs for growth and development in some […]
4. Iran as a Rational Actor in the International Arena
The Islamic Republic of Iran has consistently prioritized its survival and is highly sensitive to foreign threats. The Supreme Leader has repeatedly stated: “We have never pursued nuclear weapons because, from a religious and ideological standpoint, it is not right for us.
However, in the face of bullying and threats, we will definitely respond decisively.” The West must understand that even if Iran sometimes issues direct or indirect threats, it is a rational actor focused on its long-term interests. Any direct threat to the regime’s survival would likely trigger a more forceful response.
5. Western Policy Towards Iran: Benefit or Harm?
The key question remains: what has the West achieved from its pressure on Iran, and what benefits for engagement have been left on the table that could encourage Tehran to continue on its previous path? Heavy sanctions and sporadic attacks on Iran’s security have weakened incentives for cooperation.
Pezeshkian: We Are Not After Nuclear Weapons, But We Will Not Be Bullied
WANA (Sep 16) – The first press conference of Massoud Pezeshkian, the 14th President of Iran, with domestic and foreign media was held today. Journalists and photographers gathered at the venue hours before the conference began. A banner was designed in the background of the president’s seat, featuring a picture of the Supreme Leader […]
Mohammad Javad Zarif, reformist politician and former foreign minister, previously remarked that “if the West wants to pressure Iran, it must also accept the consequences.” In reality, if the West blocks all avenues for cooperation and economic incentives. How can it expect Iran to heed its sensitivities?
User comments