An opinion piece published on Sunday by the Iranian news agency Fars suggested that acquiring a nuclear bomb is the only way for Iran to neutralize military threats as the world transitions to a new order. The publication clarified that this viewpoint does not reflect an official position of the news agency.
According to Iran International, an exiled opposition outlet, Fars is affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guards. CNN referred to it as a semi-official news agency closely aligned with elements of Iran’s political and security establishment, particularly among conservatives and the Guards. No Iranian official has expressed support for the unsigned material published by Fars.
Subsequently, the news agency stated that “a post arguing that Iran should build an atomic bomb was published on its user-generated platform ‘Fars Interactive’ and does not represent the official position of the agency.” Fars explained that this platform allows users to publish their own opinions.
“Only in this case can negotiations be conducted from a proper position”
The article, which is unsigned and not backed by any Iranian official, contrasts with statements from Iranian officials asserting that Tehran does not intend to acquire nuclear weapons. The late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had issued a fatwa, or religious decree, prohibiting the pursuit of nuclear weapons.
“Iran has no other option but to achieve nuclear deterrence, so that military options for the occupation and partition of Iran can be ruled out,” the opinion published on Fars declared.
To achieve the peace it requires, Iran must necessarily obtain nuclear deterrence, ensuring that remaining issues can be resolved through negotiations, the commentary continued. “Only in this case can negotiations be conducted from a proper position.”
The article further stated, “Nuclear deterrence means being able to achieve a balance of power against the United States and Israel, both of which possess atomic bombs. It does not mean that war will not occur; rather, the scale of the conflict will become manageable.”
