Iran remains ‘obsessed’ with building nuclear program despite damage from US strikes
Iran is on the brink of taking its next step towards developing a nuclear weapon, despite recent setbacks in its nuclear program. Security experts warn that the regime remains focused on its ultimate goal of becoming a nuclear power.
Behnam Ben Taleblu, Senior Director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies’ Iran Program, emphasized that Iran’s strategy moving forward will be centered around repairing, reconstituting, and rebuilding its nuclear capabilities. The key question remains how Iran will proceed – whether it will engage with the international community or operate covertly.
Recent U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites, including Fordow, Isfahan, and Natanz, have inflicted significant damage. While the extent of the damage is still being assessed, there are concerns that Iran may attempt to salvage and repair what it can in order to buy time for its nuclear ambitions.
Despite facing military setbacks, Iran has indicated a willingness to engage in negotiations with the U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed optimism about the possibility of talks, though Iranian officials have cautioned against expecting immediate progress.
In a controversial move, Iran suspended all cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), further complicating efforts to monitor its nuclear activities. By limiting IAEA access, Iran aims to retain a bargaining chip in future negotiations and create uncertainty among its adversaries.
Ben Taleblu highlighted that Iran’s diplomatic capabilities, particularly its control over IAEA access, will play a crucial role in shaping the trajectory of negotiations. By leveraging its nuclear program as a bargaining chip, Iran seeks to gain an upper hand in any potential talks with the U.S.
Despite facing international pressure and military strikes, Iran’s determination to pursue its nuclear ambitions remains unwavering. The regime’s decades-long commitment to developing a nuclear deterrent is deeply rooted in its strategic vision for the region and the world.
Ultimately, the Iranian regime’s pursuit of nuclear weapons is not a recent development but a long-standing goal dating back to the 1980s. By resurrecting its nuclear program, Iran seeks to establish itself as a dominant force in the region and beyond.
As Iran navigates the complex landscape of international relations and nuclear negotiations, the world watches closely to see how the regime will proceed in its quest for nuclear power. The road ahead is fraught with challenges and uncertainties, but one thing remains clear – Iran’s nuclear ambitions are far from over.
