ALBAWABA- Dozens of Iranian lawmakers have publicly called for the development of a nuclear bomb, a move that could mark a dramatic shift in Tehran’s defense doctrine amid mounting tensions with Israel and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
In a letter to the Supreme National Security Council and other state authorities, several parliamentarians argued that regional security realities had fundamentally changed, insisting that Israel had become “on the brink of insanity” by launching attacks without regard for international law.
They further claimed that “possessing nuclear weapons for deterrence purposes would not violate the fatwa” issued by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who had previously prohibited the development and use of weapons of mass destruction.
Iran has long insisted it does not seek nuclear weapons, citing Khamenei’s religious edict as binding policy. However, the lawmakers’ demand comes at a time of intensifying Israeli threats to dismantle what it calls the “Iranian axis” and amid repeated warnings of further strikes against Iranian targets.
The call also coincides with strained relations between Tehran and the IAEA, despite a recent agreement to resume inspections.
On Monday, IAEA chief Rafael Grossi admitted that negotiations with Iran had reached a “difficult stage,” though he emphasized that diplomacy remained possible.
