Iran warns of shift toward nuclear weapons if sanctions reimposed

Iran’s foreign minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, has warned that if the West proceeds with the reimposition of UN sanctions, the debate within Iran may shift towards pursuing nuclear weapons, despite the country’s current stance.

Araghchi emphasized that while Iran has the capability and knowledge to develop nuclear weapons, these are not part of its security strategy. He also reaffirmed Tehran’s willingness to continue supplying arms to Hezbollah in Lebanon, Caliber.Az reports citing foreign media.

This warning follows rising tensions over the 2015 nuclear deal, which lifted sanctions in exchange for Iran limiting its nuclear activities. Western officials are concerned after recent reports from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) criticized Iran for insufficient cooperation and increasing uranium enrichment with no peaceful civilian purpose. Araghchi expressed frustration over this, claiming that European powers, particularly the UK, Germany, and France, had opted for confrontation, dismissing Iran’s offer to limit enrichment to 60 per cent and allow nuclear inspectors.

Araghchi also acknowledged internal debates within Iran about the effectiveness of its nuclear strategy, noting that some in the country question whether it was a mistake to cooperate with the West, as promised sanctions relief never fully materialized. If the UN sanctions are reinstated, he warned, it would lead to a major shift in Iran’s policies, with many in the country believing their approach had failed.

While Iran currently adheres to its fatwa against nuclear weapons, Araghchi suggested that this stance could change if the situation escalates. He also defended Iran’s military ties with Russia, saying that the West has no moral ground to criticize Iran’s cooperation with Moscow, especially when it involves supplying arms to Israel.

By Vafa Guliyeva