Tensions are escalating between the United States and Iran regarding the latter’s nuclear program. Recent statements by Iranian officials raise concerns about potential policy shifts, prompting a firm response from the US State Department.
On May 9th, Kamal Kharrazi, a senior advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, hinted at a possible change in Iran’s nuclear stance if the country’s existence is threatened.
Matthew Miller, the US State Department spokesperson, condemned these remarks as irresponsible. Miller reiterated the US position that Iran will never get a nuclear weapon, emphasizing that diplomacy remains the preferred path forward. However, he stressed that all options are still on the table.
This exchange highlights a widening gap between the US and Iran. The US maintains that diplomacy is the key to a lasting and effective solution, but doubts linger due to Iran’s destructive actions and lack of cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
The recent visit by IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi to Tehran yielded no concrete deadlines, further amplifying anxieties.
Adding fuel to the fire, other Iranian regime officials have echoed Kharrazi’s sentiments. Javad Karimi Qudousi, a member of Iran’s parliament, sparked fears with a social media post interpreted as a threat to build a nuclear bomb.
While Qudousi later clarified his statement, it underlined the regime’s perceived capabilities. These pronouncements directly contradict past claims by Iranian authorities that building nuclear weapons is forbidden under a religious edict by the Supreme Leader.
