Iran is considering revising its nuclear strategy if Israel strikes its nuclear facilities. This was reported by the Financial Times with reference to Rasoul Sanai-Rad, a senior adviser to Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Despite the current defence doctrine, which, according to Ali Khamenei’s fatwa, prohibits the development of nuclear weapons as it is contrary to Islam, some Iranian politicians are calling for its revision. Sanaei-Rad confirmed that several members of the Iranian parliament have already called for the official authorisation of nuclear weapons in the country.
“Actions such as an Israeli strike on Iranian nuclear facilities would cross regional and global red lines. In the event of an attack, Iran could change its nuclear policy,” the adviser said.
Sanai-Rad also stressed that any potential attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities would have serious consequences. In addition, attacks on the region’s oil and gas infrastructure could destabilise energy security and cause a spike in global energy prices.
This week, 39 Iranian lawmakers signed an appeal to the Supreme National Security Council, demanding that the country’s defence doctrine be strengthened, including by allowing the development of nuclear weapons. Against this backdrop, Western politicians are increasingly calling on Israel to launch a preemptive strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities. However, the United States opposes such actions, stressing the risks of escalation.
Although Israel does not officially recognise the existence of nuclear weapons, it remains the only country in the Middle East that has this capability. Meanwhile, Iran has been enriching uranium to 60% purity for three years, which is critically close to weapons-grade. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) believes that Iran has enough material to produce up to three nuclear warheads in a few weeks if it decides to do so.
