Iran’s Nuclear Future in Limbo: Is Acquiring Weapons the Right Choice?

During a recent statement, Kamal Kharazi emphasized that Iran may need to adjust its nuclear doctrine if Israel poses a severe threat to the country’s survival. The Adviser to the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution clarified that while Iran has not yet made the decision to develop nuclear weapons, this stance may change in response to an existential threat.

General Ahmad Hajtalab of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps also acknowledged the potential need to reassess Iran’s nuclear doctrine following a potential Israeli attack. Analysts suggest that Iran is on the verge of acquiring nuclear weapons and could become a nuclear power in the near future if the leadership decides to pursue this path. However, the final decision rests with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

In April 2024, Iran launched its first independent attack on Israel, deploying numerous unmanned aerial vehicles, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles. The majority of these weapons were intercepted and destroyed by Israeli defenses. Reports from Western media outlets indicated that Israel responded with a limited strike aimed at demonstrating force rather than causing significant harm to Iran. The incident underscored the ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel, highlighting the potential impact of these conflicts on Iran’s nuclear doctrine.