Iran’s weakened position could lead it to pursue nuclear weapon, Biden national security adviser warns
The White House is closely monitoring Iran’s deteriorating position, fearing that it may push the regime to pursue a nuclear weapon. National security adviser Jake Sullivan is working with the Trump team to address this pressing concern.
Over the past year, Iran has faced numerous setbacks, including Israeli attacks on its proxy forces and a retreat from Syria following the rise of Sunni Muslim factions hostile to Iran’s Shiite government. Israeli airstrikes targeting Iranian facilities, such as missile factories and air defenses, have significantly diminished Iran’s conventional military capabilities, as highlighted by Sullivan in a recent CNN interview.
Sullivan emphasized the potential dangers that could arise from Iran’s weakened state, stating, “What I found over the last four years is that when good things happen, like Iran being weaker than it was before, there are frequently bad things lurking around the corner.” He expressed concerns about Iran’s possible shift towards pursuing a nuclear weapon given its diminished resources and influence in the region.
The outgoing national security official raised alarm over Iran’s recent actions, including expanding uranium enrichment to 60% purity, a critical step towards achieving the 90% purity required for a nuclear weapon. Despite Iran’s claims that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, the United Kingdom, Germany, and France have urged Iran to reverse its nuclear escalation, citing a lack of credible civilian justification for stockpiling highly enriched uranium.
Sullivan warned of the risk that Iran may abandon its previous commitment to refraining from building nuclear weapons, prompting the need for heightened vigilance. He indicated that he is actively briefing the incoming administration on these concerns and consulting with Israel on potential strategies to address Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
With the transition to a new administration looming, Sullivan expressed hope that President Trump could leverage Iran’s weakened position to negotiate a new nuclear deal that effectively curbs Iran’s nuclear aspirations in the long term. Trump’s team is exploring various options, including the possibility of preventive airstrikes, to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
As the situation continues to evolve, it is crucial for policymakers to remain vigilant and proactive in addressing the complex challenges posed by Iran’s nuclear ambitions. By leveraging diplomatic efforts and strategic partnerships, there is a potential opportunity to steer Iran towards a peaceful resolution while safeguarding regional stability and security.
