A media outlet associated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has sent ripples through the international community, declaring that Iran feels compelled to pursue the development of a nuclear weapon. This assertion presents a new challenge to the peace accord organized by the United States.
In an article provocatively titled “No Choice but to Build the Atomic Bomb,” Iranian state news agency Fars argues that to effectively negotiate with its adversaries, Iran must first establish itself as a formidable force. The piece made waves when it was published on Sunday.
The article thunders with the proclamation that achieving nuclear deterrence is crucial for Iran to secure peace and stability. It draws parallels to geopolitical strategies of the past, suggesting that like China in the 1970s, Iran must arm itself with nuclear capacity to open doors to negotiation on other issues.
Using historical context, the piece recalls how the United States threatened China with nuclear force on two occasions, reminiscent of former President Trump’s aggressive stance towards Iran. It cites diplomatic breakthroughs, like Henry Kissinger’s clandestine meeting with China, as events that unfolded only after China had transformed into an atomic power.
The article expounds on the concept of nuclear deterrence, asserting that possessing such power can create equilibrium with nuclear-armed states like the United States and Israel. Rather than preventing wars, the aim is to ensure conflicts remain within a controllable scope, it argues.
Under the interim Memorandum of Understanding signed by Washington and Tehran earlier this month, Iran agreed to allow International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors to regain access to its nuclear sites following the suspension of oversight last year.
It also pledged it would not develop a nuclear weapon.
The US has called on Iran to pause all nuclear enrichment for 20 years.