Hardline factions in Iran are advocating for the development of nuclear deterrence to gain leverage in negotiations with the United States.
On June 29, the semi-official Fars News Agency published a commentary titled "There Is No Choice But to Build an Atomic Bomb," asserting that Iran must secure nuclear deterrence to achieve the stability it seeks.
The commentary referenced China's successful nuclear tests in the 1960s, suggesting that Iran should follow a similar path to negotiate from a position of strength. However, this stance contradicts a clause in the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding, which states that Iran will not acquire or develop nuclear weapons in any form.
As the controversy grew, Fars clarified that the commentary was published in its user participation section, "Fars Interactive," and does not represent the agency's official position. Fars stated, "All readers can post their opinions on this platform."
Nonetheless, this argument reflects a prevailing sentiment among hardliners in Iran that nuclear deterrence should be used as a bargaining chip in negotiations with the U.S. Fars News is considered close to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and has consistently echoed hardline positions, including calls for the cessation of negotiations with the U.S. and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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