Iran: Nuclear Doctrine May Shift Due to Israel Threats

By Yoni Weiss

An adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Kamal Kharrazi, said Thursday that Iran may reconsider its nuclear doctrine if its security is endangered by Israel. Kharrazi emphasized that while Iran currently has no plans to develop nuclear weapons, threats to its existence could force a change in its military strategy. His statements, reported by Iran’s Student News Network, raise concerns about the possibility of Iran pursuing nuclear capabilities.

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, previously issued a fatwa in the early 2000s prohibiting the development of nuclear weapons, reiterating this stance in 2019 by declaring their production and use as religiously forbidden. Despite possessing nuclear technology, Iran has consistently asserted its commitment to peaceful use. However, in 2021, Iran’s former intelligence minister suggested that Western pressure might prompt Tehran to reconsider this stance.

Kharrazi also warned that any attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities by Israel would alter Iran’s deterrence strategy. This comes amidst heightened tensions between Iran and Israel, exemplified by Iran’s recent retaliation against suspected Israeli actions in Damascus, where around 300 missiles and drones were reportedly launched.