Revisiting the Nuclear Fatwa of Iran’s Supreme Leader: Change or Adaptation?
WANA (Nov 09) – The issue of nuclear weapons and the stance of the Islamic Republic of Iran on this subject remains one of the most contentious topics in international politics. A key element of Iran’s policy is rooted in a fatwa (religious decree) by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, which prohibits the use and development of nuclear weapons. Issued in 2010 during the first International Conference on Nuclear Disarmament and Non-Proliferation and registered at the United Nations, the fatwa emphasizes that the use of weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons, is forbidden.
However, recent statements by the Supreme Leader in meetings with Iranian students, along with remarks by political and religious figures such as Kamal Kharrazi and Ismail Baghaei, have sparked questions about the possibility of modifying or adapting this fatwa under specific circumstances.
The Islamic Republic of Iran and the Do’s and Don’ts of Nuclear Weapons
WANA (Nov 04) – If nuclear power was not a deterrent, Europe, the United States, and Israel would not oppose Iran’s nuclearization. The theory of dynamic jurisprudence is on par with hermeneutic analysis of phenomena and objective realities, and the theory of balance of power is an accepted and obvious principle in deterrence. […]
Changing or Interpreting the Nuclear Fatwa: Are Religious Principles Subject to Change?
Analyzing the Supreme Leader’s approach to nuclear weapons necessitates an understanding of the distinction between primary and secondary rulings in Shia jurisprudence. A primary ruling is based on Sharia principles and applies under normal circumstances, while a secondary ruling can be applied under exceptional conditions when emergency needs override the initial ruling.
In a recent meeting, Ayatollah Khamenei reaffirmed the prohibition of weapons of mass destruction, but also stated, “Whatever is necessary to confront the enemy will certainly be done.” This could be interpreted as an indication of Iran’s defensive flexibility, especially if the nation faces a serious, existential threat.
Hojatoleslam Hassanali Akhlaqi Amiri, a member of the Iranian parliament’s Cultural Commission, noted that in extraordinary circumstances that threaten the security and survival of the Islamic Republic, the Supreme Leader has the authority to shift from a primary to a secondary ruling. He emphasized that this approach is rooted in Shia jurisprudence, where the preservation of the Islamic system is of paramount importance. Therefore, if circumstances arise that endanger the Republic’s survival, the fatwa might also be reconsidered in light of security and military imperatives.
Larijani: Our Decision is Not to Build Nuclear Weapons, But We Are Close If Needed
WANA (Nov 04) – Mohammad Javad Larijani, head of the Institute for Research in Fundamental Sciences, discussed Iran’s nuclear policy, stating: “Our national policy is to advance nuclear technology and nuclear knowledge exclusively for peaceful purposes, without militarization at any stage. Our national capabilities are strong enough to serve as a deterrent on their own, […]
Divergent Narratives on Iran’s Nuclear Policy: Positions and Arguments
Kamal Kharrazi, head of Iran’s Strategic Council on Foreign Relations, recently affirmed that Iran has the capability to develop nuclear weapons but refrains from doing so due to the Supreme Leader’s fatwa. He added that in the event of an existential threat, Iran’s military doctrine could change. This stance, along with the Supreme Leader’s remarks about taking any necessary steps to defend the country, reflects flexibility in Iran’s defensive policies.
Ismail Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has reiterated that Iran’s position against weapons of mass destruction remains unchanged; however, he emphasized that Iran would acquire whatever is necessary for its defense. This implies a potential reassessment of the nuclear fatwa under exceptional circumstances.
The Views of Religious Authorities and Jurisprudential Analysis
Within Shia jurisprudence, several high-ranking clerics, including Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi, Nouri Hamedani, Jafar Sobhani, and Jawadi Amoli, have similarly voiced opposition to nuclear weapons. This consensus underscores the deep religious commitment to prohibiting weapons of mass destruction. However, it should be noted that a fatwa, unlike a governmental decree, is not binding for all followers of Ja’fari jurisprudence and can change based on circumstances.
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 […]
In this context, Hojatoleslam Akhlaqi Amiri mentions that a fatwa can be adapted as a secondary ruling in cases of emergency. He refers to the words of Imam Khomeini, stating, “Preserving the system is of utmost importance,” meaning that even primary rulings may be reconsidered in critical situations.
While the Islamic Republic of Iran has consistently emphasized its principled position against the use of weapons of mass destruction, existing fatwas continue to serve as a moral and religious foundation for Iran’s nuclear policies. However, evolving regional and international conditions, as well as potential threats from adversaries, could prompt Iranian authorities to reassess this fatwa.
Currently, Iran’s approach seems to be to maintain its principled stance against nuclear weapons while remaining prepared to adapt its defense policies if faced with serious threats. This strategy may reflect a blend of political pragmatism and religious principles within the foreign policy framework of the Islamic Republic.
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