Why it matters:
This statement highlights the potential fallout from military strikes on Iran. As a resolute member of the NPT, the policy of Iran has been to gain full deterrance against external threats.
What he's saying:
During a televised interview on Monday, Larijani made it clear:
"If the U.S. or Israel bomb Iran under the nuclear pretext, Iran will be compelled to move toward producing an atomic bomb."
He emphasized that such an action by the U.S. would lead to significant public pressure within Iran, forcing the government to reconsider its stance on nuclear weapons despite a fatwa by the Leader prohibiting them.
“The Leader’s fatwa prohibits nuclear weapons, but if the U.S. makes a mistake, Iran, under public pressure, would be forced to move toward building nuclear weapons."
Go deeper:
U.S. President Donald Trump continues to push for a new deal under his terms. While Iran has rejected direct negotiations under pressure, Larijani’s comments indicate that the situation could quickly spiral into a dangerous confrontation, with Tehran pushing back harder against unwarranted external threats.
Mojtaba Darabi
