Iran’s Mojtaba Khamenei Pursues Nuclear Warhead Amid US-Iran Tensions

Following 13 consecutive nights of military exchanges, US President Donald Trump announced he is "willing to listen" to Iran in ongoing negotiations, despite escalating tensions. A report by The New York Times reveals that Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader’s son, is more determined than his late father to acquire nuclear weapons. US intelligence sources indicate that while Mojtaba has never publicly advocated for nuclear arms, he and hardline elements within Iran’s regime now aspire to develop a nuclear warhead, diverging from his father’s public opposition to such weapons in the 1990s.

The intelligence assessment, based largely on pre-conflict statements and intercepted communications before Mojtaba was injured in an Israeli strike on February 28, suggests he favors a deployable nuclear warhead over a less practical nuclear device. This shift in ambition comes amid a fragile US-Iran agreement signed under Trump and Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, which Iran has since violated. Mojtaba reportedly views the deal as unacceptable in principle.

Amid these developments, the Wall Street Journal reported that Iran has transferred ground forces to the fortified underground nuclear site at Mount Makuh, likely to protect centrifuges from potential US strikes. Israel has been monitoring these movements closely. The US military continues to enforce a naval blockade on Iranian ports, recently attacking the M/T Lavine ship for attempting to breach the embargo in the Gulf of Oman.

President Trump convened senior officials to discuss escalating military options against Iran but has not yet decided on expanding attacks. At a White House press event, Trump emphasized his openness to negotiations but warned that Iran must not obtain nuclear weapons, citing the threat to Washington, DC, Israel, and the Middle East.

Reports from US officials describe Trump as frustrated with the prolonged conflict, doubting diplomatic solutions, and adopting a "revenge" stance. He reportedly disparaged Iranian leaders in recent meetings and expressed skepticism about Iran’s sincerity in negotiations, noting ongoing Iranian attacks despite talks. Some of Trump’s advisors worry the conflict’s toll could harm Republican prospects in upcoming midterm elections.