Iranian Lawmaker Claims Country Has Nuclear Weapon
A member of Iran’s parliament claimed this month that his country had achieved the ability to construct a nuclear weapon. The statement came despite official Iranian denials that it was working on a nuclear device and criticism from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) regarding the country’s nuclear program.
Iranian member of Parliament Ahmad Bakhshayesh Ardestani said that in his opinion his ountry had “achieved nuclear weapons, but we do not announce it. It means our policy is to possess nuclear bombs, but our declared policy is currently within the framework of the JCPOA,” referring to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action created by former President Barack Obama.
Pres. Biden is withholding security aid for Israel in its fight for survival against Hamas terrorists who killed Israelis & Americans. Yet, Biden released billions of dollars to Iran as it funds terror & rushes to develop a nuclear weapon.
His policies are a dangerous disaster.
— Rep. Ken Calvert (@KenCalvert) May 9, 2024
“In a climate where Russia has attacked Ukraine and Israel has attacked Gaza and Iran is a staunch supporter of the Resistance Front, it is natural for the containment system to require that Iran possess nuclear bombs,” he said. “However, whether Iran declares it is another matter.”
Tehran is also negotiating with the IAEA over potential inspections of its nuclear sites.
Iran’s nuclear program has been a significant issue for American and Israeli officials for years, with both countries accusing Tehran of attempting to construct an atomic bomb.
Following Iran’s large drone and missile attack on Israel last month, Israel struck an Iranian military base in Isfahan. The strike occurred near a known Iranian nuclear facility.
Iran has denied that its nuclear program is involved with anything other than peaceful research. However, IAEA inspectors have found evidence that Iran is enriching uranium at levels higher than needed for a peaceful reactor.
Furthermore, former President Donald Trump removed the United States from the Obama-era nuclear deal which allowed Iran to have elements of a nuclear research program. Trump said at the time that it was essential to keep Iran from building a nuclear bomb.
The Biden administration received considerable criticism from Republicans and some Democrats for sanctions relief on the Iranian regime, which freed billions of dollars for the country the United States considers a state sponsor of terrorism.
