Netanyahu Claims Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Commander Declared Intent to Develop Nuclear Weapons

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a dramatic statement on Wednesday during a state ceremony at Mount Herzl in Jerusalem, where his grandfather and grandmother, founders of the state, were buried. Netanyahu asserted that Ahmad Vahidi, commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, explicitly declared Iran’s intention to develop nuclear weapons. Netanyahu claimed this declaration was made on the same day, though no public confirmation or media reports from Iran have corroborated such a statement. Iran has long publicly denied any intention to develop nuclear arms.

If true, this would mark a significant shift in the Iranian regime’s stance and would likely attract widespread international attention. The alleged quote from Vahidi appeared in an English tweet by Israel’s Channel 14 about three hours before Netanyahu’s speech, but the source and basis of the report remain unclear. This claim, if accurate, would complicate ongoing negotiations involving the U.S. and Iran, including talks about reopening the Strait of Hormuz and potential nuclear agreements.

In his speech, Netanyahu referenced Theodor Herzl’s understanding of antisemitic threats and drew a parallel to Israel’s vigilance today. He emphasized Israel’s determination to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, stating, "With or without an agreement, I am determined, we all are determined, to do whatever is necessary to ensure our security and future." Netanyahu also praised U.S. President Donald Trump as a great ally in opposing Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

About a month earlier, Netanyahu claimed Iran already possessed nuclear bombs, stating in a June interview that he had conducted two covert operations inside Iran to prevent nuclear destruction and warned of a possible third if necessary. This claim was disputed by Gadi Eizenkot, chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, who called Netanyahu’s statements exaggerated and said Iran never had nuclear bombs, accusing him of scaring the Israeli public unnecessarily.