IRGC-affiliated media say Iran has “no choice” but to build a nuclear bomb | Today’s news
Iranian media linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) have argued that Tehran “has no choice” but to develop a nuclear bomb, a position that contrasts with Iran’s recent pledge under the US-brokered deal not to seek nuclear weapons.
The comments were published Sunday in an article by Iran’s state-affiliated Fars news agency, titled “No choice but to build an atomic bomb,” amid ongoing talks between Washington and Tehran on an interim peace deal.
He calls for nuclear deterrence
The article argued that Iran must acquire a nuclear deterrent in order to negotiate with its adversaries from a position of strength.
“In transitioning to a new order, Iran has no choice but to achieve nuclear deterrence so that the military option of occupying and dividing Iran is off the table.”
She further argued that nuclear capability is necessary to ensure peace and strengthen Iran’s negotiating position.
“For Iran to achieve the peace it needs, it must absolutely achieve nuclear deterrence to ensure that the remaining issues can be resolved through negotiations. Only then can negotiations be conducted from the right position.”
Comparison with China
The commentary pointed to China’s nuclear program as an example, arguing that Beijing was only able to negotiate with the United States after it became a nuclear power.
“The US has threatened China with a nuclear attack twice, such as Trump’s recent nuclear threats against Iran. But when does Kissinger secretly meet with the Chinese and then negotiate? When China is making atomic bombs.”
The article added that nuclear weapons would provide Iran with a strategic balance against its regional adversaries.
“Nuclear deterrence means that you can achieve a balance of power against the United States and Israel that have atomic bombs, not that there will be no war, but that the scale of the conflict will be controllable.”
Contrary to recent agreement
The publication’s comments contrast with commitments made under an interim memorandum of understanding signed by Washington and Tehran earlier this month.
As part of the deal, Iran agreed to restore International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors access to its nuclear facilities after international oversight was suspended last year.
Tehran has also pledged not to develop a nuclear weapon, a central provision of the US-backed framework to ease tensions and advance broader peace talks.
It raises new concerns
Although the article reflects the views of IRGC-linked media outlets rather than an official government policy statement, its publication is likely to fuel renewed concerns about Iran’s long-term nuclear ambitions.
The remarks come at a sensitive time as the United States and Iran continue discussions on sanctions relief, nuclear surveillance and regional security, even as military tensions remain elevated in the Persian Gulf.
