Jerusalem – May 13, 2024 – Tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear program escalated sharply this week. An Iranian lawmaker, Ahmad Bakhshayesh Ardestani, declared the Islamic Republic already possesses nuclear weapons, while critics slammed the Biden administration’s approach as failing to contain Iran’s rapid nuclear advancement.
Ardestani’s statement, published by Iran International, directly contradicts Iran’s official stance of peaceful nuclear development. Experts, however, cautioned against taking his words at face value, citing his lack of confirmed access to the regime’s inner circle.
This comes on the heels of comments by Kamal Kharrazi, head of Iran’s Strategic Council on Foreign Relations. Kharrazi warned that Iran could change its nuclear doctrine if its interests are threatened, hinting at the potential weaponization of its enriched uranium stockpile.
The international community is increasingly alarmed by Iran’s nuclear program. A German intelligence report obtained by Fox News reveals ongoing Iranian procurement efforts in Germany suspected to be linked to their nuclear ambitions.
The Biden administration maintains its commitment to diplomacy as the primary tool to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. However, critics argue this approach has backfired, allowing Iran to advance its program at an alarming pace.
David Wurmser, a former nonproliferation advisor, expressed concern about the potential for hidden advancements within Iran’s program, citing historical instances of underestimating nuclear capabilities in other nations.
The recent rhetoric from Iranian officials coincides with a statement by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief, Rafael Grossi, who acknowledged his organization’s efforts to prevent Iran’s weaponization of nuclear material.
