Why it matters:
- Iran, with the world’s second-largest gas reserves and fourth-largest oil reserves, faces the reality of finite fossil fuels. Nuclear energy offers a sustainable, low-carbon alternative to meet growing domestic demand and reduce environmental impact.
- U.S. pressure to halt Iran’s nuclear program is seen as an infringement on its sovereign right to peaceful nuclear technology, as guaranteed by the NPT.
- Technological Advancement: Nuclear energy drives progress in science, medicine (e.g., radioisotopes for cancer treatment), and industry, positioning Iran as a technologically advanced nation. Curtailing the program stifles innovation and development.
- The U.S. uses its stance against Iran’s nuclear program to maintain influence in West Asia curb Iran’s regional power, and align with allies like Israel, who view Iran’s nuclear program as a threat.
The big picture:
The U.S. operates 93 nuclear reactors across 30 states, supplying 18% of its electricity and 30% of global nuclear power. It’s also the top oil and gas producer, pumping 30 million barrels of oil equivalent daily.
Yes, but the U.S. is the only country to have used nuclear weapons in war, targeting Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945.
Zoom in:
Why does the U.S. relies on nuclear power?
- Nuclear energy offers a low-carbon alternative, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and supporting climate goals.
- Diversifying energy sources shields the U.S. from volatile global oil and gas markets.
- Despite its oil wealth, the U.S. continues to invest heavily in nuclear infrastructure.
Context:
"Under our potential Agreement — WE WILL NOT ALLOW ANY ENRICHMENT OF URANIUM!" Trump has said on his Truth Social network.
The U.S. has consistently worked to limit Iran’s nuclear program due to concerns about potential weaponization. Under the 2015 JCPOA, Iran restricted its uranium enrichment to 3.67% purity with a stockpile cap. However, after the U.S. unilateral withdrew from the agreement in 2018, Iran increased enrichment levels, reaching up to 60% purity by May 2025, yet for civil use under the IAEA supervion.
What he's saying:
Leader of the Islamic Revolution in an address on Imam Khomeini's 36th passing anniversary:
"Nuclear technology has one key element: uranium enrichment. Without enrichment, nuclear technology is essentially useless, because we would have to rely on others for power plant fuel."
"The primary stance of the Americans is that Iran should not have a nuclear industry so that we remain dependent on them for energy and radiopharmaceuticals."
Behind the scenes:
The U.S. stance appear to be part of a broader political campaign to curb Iran’s scientific and technological progress, rather than a reasoned stance on energy needs.
The U.S. stance conflicts with the UN Charter and the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), which affirm every nation’s right to peaceful nuclear technology.
The bottom line:
The U.S. president's statement that Iran does not need nuclear energy raises serious questions, especially in light of America's own energy policies. If having oil and gas reserves is a reason to abandon nuclear energy, then why does the United States, despite producing the equivalent of 30 million barrels of crude oil per day, still generate 18% of its electricity from nuclear power?
Go deeper:
Leader: Without Enrichment Nuclear Technology Is Useless
U.S. Slaps Sanctions on Iran Amid Talks, Targets 30 Individuals, 16 Firms
seyed mohammad kazemi
