Even as the United States is now under a new administration, tensions with Iran over nuclear arms remain, which could escalate into a potential world war 3 if not resolved. The fears of an open conflict remain as Iran has now warned that it would produce nuclear warheads if it is put on the spot by other countries.
Speaking to the Iranian press, the country’s Intelligence Minister Mahmoud Alavi stated that it would not be Iran’s fault if it is to make adjustments towards its nuclear program. Alavi explained that the production of nuclear weapons is against their Islamic faith, however, should they be pressured, they would be forced to act. Alavi reiterated that the country’s nuclear program is a peaceful one and that the Islamic nation has no plans to develop its own nuclear arsenal.
“The leadership of Iran has explicitly stated that the production of nuclear weapons is against Sharia law, and the Islamic Republic forbids it. However, if a cat gets backed into a corner, it may act as it wouldn’t have acted while free,” said Alavi.
As Alavi stressed the peaceful nature of the country’s nuclear program, he also noted that the current situation is not normal due to the sanctions imposed by the US. Alavi then called for the sanctions on Iran to be lifted. The country’s spokesman also demanded compensation for the losses that were incurred during the period of sanctions. On Monday, Tehran’s foreign ministry spokesperson Saeed Khatibzadeh said that for Iran to adhere to the nuclear agreement, the US must make the first move in rejoining the 2015 nuclear deal. Donald Trump withdrew the US from the deal during his term.
Iran’s tensions with Israel over the same topic of nuclear arms appear to have escalated in recent days. UN Inspectors found traces of radioactive material in nuclear sites in the Islamic nation, which has now prompted the country’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu to meet with army officials to discuss a possible attack on Iran.
Israeli media reported that Netanyahu met with Defense Minister Benny Gantz, Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi, and other officials in the defense and finance ministries to talk about allocating funds to finance the potential operations against Iran.