Iran warns it may pursue nuclear weapons if attacked, amid rising US tensions

Khamenei Adviser says military threats could push Iran toward nuclear arms development

April 1, 2025

Tehran cites self-defense amid Trump’s threats of bombing and tariffs

In a stark message to Washington, a top adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said that Tehran could be compelled to pursue nuclear weapons if attacked by the United States or its allies. The statement underscores rising tensions following threats from former US President Donald Trump over Iran’s nuclear program.

Ali Larijani, a veteran Iranian politician and nuclear negotiator, stated on Iranian state television that while Iran is not currently seeking nuclear weapons, any hostile action by the US or Israel could change that stance.

“We are not moving towards [nuclear] weapons, but if you do something wrong in the Iranian nuclear issue, you will force Iran to move towards that because it has to defend itself,” Larijani said, as reported by France 24. “Iran does not want to do this, but it will have no choice.”

Escalating rhetoric from both sides

The warning follows comments by Donald Trump on Saturday, in which he told NBC News there would be “bombing” if Iran refused to comply with a nuclear agreement. Trump also mentioned the possibility of imposing secondary tariffs on Tehran.

In response, Ayatollah Khamenei vowed a “strong reciprocal blow” should the US carry out any military action.

“The enmity from the US and Israel has always been there. They threaten to attack us… but if they commit any mischief, they will surely receive a strong reciprocal blow,” Khamenei said.

Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, echoed those sentiments in a letter to the UN Security Council. He condemned the rhetoric as “warmongering provocations” and warned that Iran would respond “swiftly and decisively” to any attack by the US or Israel.

Military preparations and diplomatic reactions

According to state-run Tehran Times, Iran has placed its underground missile systems on high alert, ready to strike “US-related positions” if necessary. The report said these missile facilities are located in fortified underground bases capable of surviving airstrikes.

As pressure grows in Washington for Iran to dismantle its nuclear program, Iranian officials have pushed back against direct negotiations, although they have expressed openness to indirect talks.

“We don’t avoid talks; it’s the breach of promises that has caused issues for us so far,” Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Sunday. “They must prove that they can build trust.”

US reiterates opposition to nuclear weapon development

The US State Department reaffirmed that it cannot allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons. A spokesperson warned of “bad consequences” for Tehran if it rejects a new deal, maintaining that the Trump administration’s stance on Iran remains unchanged.

As diplomatic efforts stall and military rhetoric intensifies, both sides appear to be entering a volatile phase that could test the limits of international diplomacy and regional stability.

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