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Key Points

Iran has warned it may reverse its nuclear policy if the US or Israel launches military strikes. A top adviser to Supreme Leader Khamenei stated Tehran would pursue weapons development if attacked, despite a religious prohibition. The remarks come after Trump threatened "unprecedented" bombing if Iran refuses negotiations. While Tehran rejected direct talks, it left open indirect discussions contingent on US policy changes.

Key Points: Iran Warns US Attack Would Force Nuclear Weapons Pursuit

  • Larijani cites Khamenei's religious ban on nukes but warns of policy shift if attacked
  • Trump threatened "unprecedented" strikes if Iran refuses talks
  • Tehran rejects direct talks but open to indirect negotiations
  • Pezeshkian demands US rectify past misconduct before dialogue
2 min read

Iran threatens to develop nuke weapons should US attack

Iran's supreme leader adviser Ali Larijani warns US and Israel that military strikes would push Tehran to develop nukes despite religious ban.

"If the United States makes any mistake, Iran will be forced to pursue nuclear weapons due to pressure from its people. – Ali Larijani"

Tehran, April 1

An adviser to Iran's supreme leader warned that if the US or Israel were to attack Iran under the pretext of nuclear concerns, the country would be compelled to pursue the development of nuclear weapons.

Ali Larijani, an adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, made the remarks in response to recent anti-Tehran threats made by US President Donald Trump and Israel, Xinhua news agency reported quoting the official news agency IRNA.

Larijani noted that Iran had been prohibited from acquiring nuclear weapons under a religious directive issued by Khamenei. However, he added, "If the United States makes any mistake, Iran will be forced to pursue nuclear weapons due to pressure from its people."

Larijani stressed that taking military actions against Iran would have consequences, saying Iran's nuclear program would not be destroyed through bombing.

Larijani said any potential indirect negotiation with the United States would be aimed at understanding each other's demands and winning mutual concessions regarding the nuclear issue.

Trump, in an interview with NBC News on Sunday, threatened to launch "unprecedented military strikes" on Iran if it refused to negotiate over its nuclear program.

"If they don't make a deal, there will be bombing like they've never seen before," he said, claiming US and Iranian officials are "talking," without offering details.

The remarks followed a letter Trump sent to Iranian leaders in early March via the United Arab Emirates, proposing direct negotiations on Tehran's nuclear activities.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian confirmed on Sunday that Tehran had rejected the proposed face-to-face talks but left open the possibility of indirect talks.

He stressed that while Iran is not against negotiations in principle, Washington must first rectify its past "misconduct" and rebuild trust.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah K.
This is such a dangerous escalation 😨 Both sides need to step back from the brink. Diplomacy should always be the first option, not threats of violence.
M
Mike T.
Iran's position makes sense - if you're threatened with attack for having a peaceful nuclear program, why wouldn't you consider weapons for deterrence? The US approach seems counterproductive.
A
Amir H.
As an Iranian, I wish our government would be more transparent about its nuclear intentions. This back-and-forth rhetoric helps no one and only increases tensions.
J
Jessica L.
The article presents Iran's perspective well, but I wish it had more context about why the US is concerned. Both sides have legitimate security interests that need addressing.
T
Thomas R.
Nuclear weapons in the Middle East would be disastrous for global security. The international community needs to step in before this escalates further.
L
Layla M.
The religious prohibition against nukes is interesting - I didn't know about that. Makes me wonder what would really change if attacked. Scary situation all around.

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