Iranian MPs demand nuclear weapons development approval In response to Israeli threats

A coalition of 39 Iranian parliamentarians has formally appealed to the Supreme National Security Council, requesting a revision of the country’s national defence doctrine to permit the development of nuclear weapons in light of perceived threats from Israel.

MP Hasanali Ekhlaki Amiri, the initiative's proponent, disclosed details about the letter, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

“We have sent a letter to the Supreme National Security Council, which has garnered signatures from 39 deputies. The letter requests a reassessment of the Islamic Republic's defence doctrine concerning nuclear weapons,” Ekhlaki Amiri stated in comments Iranian portal.

Since 2003, Iran has adhered to a fatwa issued by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, which prohibits the production of nuclear weapons on the grounds that it contradicts Islamic principles. Ekhlaki Amiri emphasized that while the discussion about revising the defence doctrine is rooted in the 2003 fatwa, the actions of what he termed the “fake and evil Zionist regime” (referring to Israel) necessitate expert reassessment. He lamented that neither the U.S. nor European nations can effectively manage this “rabid dog.”

He explained that the defence doctrine review aims to explore whether Iran should enter the nuclear discourse or consider alternative options for deterrence.

“The 2003 fatwa remains inviolable, yet we recognize in legal Islamic literature the existence of both primary and secondary norms. The supreme leader, representing the Prophet and his family politically, has the authority to modify primary rulings. However, for now, we suggest that in critical situations, he could issue a fatwa as a secondary ruling to address the pressing needs of Islamic society,” the lawmaker elaborated. He noted that while the development of nuclear weapons could be authorized as a deterrent, their use would still be prohibited.

On October 8, Ekhlaki Amiri addressed his fellow lawmakers, urging the Supreme National Security Council to amend the existing defence doctrine, which currently bans the development of nuclear weapons. He challenged his colleagues by asking whether they value their lives so dearly that they would choose to “accept humiliation and give up their dignity.”

By Tamilla Hasanova