Iranian Revolutionary Guards Declare Nuclear Weapon Development Necessary Amid US Tensions
A state-affiliated Iranian news agency linked to the Revolutionary Guards declared that Iran has "no choice" but to develop nuclear weapons to negotiate from a position of strength. The statement was published on Sunday by the Fars News Agency, less than two days after the United States launched massive airstrikes on Iranian military targets in response to Iran's violation of a ceasefire by attacking a Singaporean cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz.
The article, titled "No Choice But to Build the Atomic Bomb," outlines a militant strategy emphasizing nuclear deterrence as essential for regime survival and regional influence. It argues that only a nuclear balance of power can ensure peace and stability, allowing Iran to resolve other issues through negotiation. The piece draws a parallel to the US-China crisis in the 1970s, noting that secret negotiations only began after China developed nuclear weapons.
Iranian officials have supported this stance, with the Foreign Ministry spokesperson defending Iran's military actions and accusing Gulf states of aggression while ignoring Israel's nuclear arsenal. The recent escalation follows a dramatic memorandum of understanding signed earlier this month between Tehran and the Trump administration, which now faces a severe test after Iran's drone attack on the Singaporean vessel "Ever Lovely."
In retaliation, the US conducted airstrikes on missile depots, drone storage, and radar systems linked to the Revolutionary Guards in Iran and on Qeshm Island. US Vice President J.D. Vance warned Iran to resolve disputes diplomatically, stating, "Violence will be met with violence." The Revolutionary Guards responded by launching missiles at US bases in Bahrain and Kuwait, threatening to halt all diplomatic processes if hostilities continue.
This development signals a sharp escalation in Iran-US tensions, with Iran openly justifying nuclear armament as a means to counterbalance US and Israeli nuclear capabilities and maintain regional power amid ongoing military confrontations.
