TEHRAN: Iran has no plans to develop an atomic bomb, according to Iranian lawmaker Ali Reza Novin. His statement comes amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly with Israel, and increasing scrutiny over Iran’s nuclear capabilities.

According to Trend News Agency, Novin emphasized that Iran’s stance on nuclear weapons has been clearly articulated by Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, the nation’s supreme leader. Khamenei has firmly stated that Iran will not produce atomic weapons. Novin reiterated that although Iran has the capability and knowledge to develop nuclear arms, there is no intent to initiate such developments. He stressed that the country’s existing nuclear doctrine could change if Iran were threatened with nuclear warfare, highlighting the need for flexibility in defense strategies in response to external threats.

Novin also pointed out conflicting data regarding Iran’s nuclear activities, with some indications suggesting the acquisition of nuclear capabilities, while others negate
the development of atomic weapons. This ambiguity plays into the broader narrative of Iran’s nuclear ambitions and international concerns.

The discourse within Iran is also shifting, as evidenced by thirty-nine Iranian parliamentarians calling for a revision of the country’s defense doctrine in light of new developments in nuclear weapon capabilities. This internal pressure reflects the broader geopolitical tensions and the complexities of nuclear diplomacy in the region.

This development follows a series of significant events affecting Iran’s nuclear policy. The Comprehensive Joint Plan of Action, agreed upon in January 2016 by Iran and the P5+1 group (the US, Russia, China, the UK, France, and Germany), aimed to regulate Iran’s nuclear program. However, the landscape shifted dramatically when the US withdrew from the agreement in May 2018 and reinstated sanctions on Iran. In response, by the end of 2020, the Iranian parliament had moved to adopt a strategic plan to advance their nuclear program and counte
ract the sanctions, leading to a reduction in additional protocols and limiting the International Atomic Energy Agency’s ability to monitor Iran’s nuclear activities by 20-30 percent.
Source: Trend News Agency