Iran's Khamenei Adviser: Nuclear Arms Essential if Attacked

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Iran has been warned that it might feel compelled to pursue nuclear weapons if it faces aggression from the United States or its allies, highlighted a senior advisor to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Monday, as reported by AFP.

This statement comes amid rising tensions between Tehran and Washington stemming from former President Donald Trump’s threats of military action should Iran fail to limit its nuclear ambitions.

Ali Larijani, a prominent figure in Iran’s political landscape, conveyed through Iranian state television that although the country does not actively seek nuclear arms, external threats may force its hand. “We are not heading towards (nuclear) weapons, but if you make a move against Iran regarding its nuclear program, you will push Iran to that direction because it must defend itself,” Larijani stated. “Iran does not desire this outcome, but under duress, it may see no alternative.”

Trump’s remarks, made during a weekend interview with NBC News, included a stark warning: “There will be bombing” if Iran continues to resist U.S. demands. He also proposed the imposition of “secondary tariffs” on Iran, though specific details about these economic actions were not provided. Iran has fiercely reacted to Trump’s threats, with Khamenei promising that any military responses would be met with robust retaliation. “If they proceed, they will definitely face a powerful counterattack,” Khamenei declared during a speech marking the conclusion of Ramadan.

### Iran’s Reaction and Heightened Regional Tensions

Amir Saeid Iravani, Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations, denounced Trump’s statements in a letter to the UN Security Council, asserting that any U.S. or allied aggression would receive a “swift and decisive” response. Additionally, Iran’s foreign ministry summoned the Swiss charge d’affaires, the representative for U.S. interests in Tehran, to formally protest against the threats.

Iranian military leaders have issued direct warnings regarding U.S. military assets in the region. General Amirali Hajizadeh, a senior commander within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, proclaimed, “The U.S. maintains at least 10 bases in the surrounding region and has around 50,000 troops. Those residing in glass houses should not throw stones.”

### Diplomatic Channels Remain Available

Despite the intensified rhetoric, indirect talks between Washington and Tehran are still in progress. Trump reportedly sent a letter to Khamenei earlier this month requesting discussions on nuclear matters. Iran, through intermediaries in Oman, confirmed that “the letter has reached its destination and has been read.” However, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized that Iran would not engage in direct negotiations under pressure.

While the door for diplomacy remains open, the escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran evoke concerns of potential conflict in the region.

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