Internal pressure is rising in Iran for the country to move toward developing nuclear weapons, as escalating conflict with the United States and Israel reshapes the strategic debate inside Tehran.
Calls for a shift in nuclear policy have intensified following US and Israeli strikes carried out during a period of negotiations, raising concerns among hardline figures that Iran’s current approach may no longer guarantee national security.
According to Reuters, officials linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and influential hardliners are pushing for a reassessment of Iran’s nuclear strategy, including the possibility of withdrawing from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
The internal balance of power has shifted further after the death of Ali Khamenei, who was killed at the beginning of the conflict on February 28. Since then, the Revolutionary Guard has expanded its influence, allowing more aggressive positions to gain traction.
Despite the growing rhetoric, there is still no official decision to pursue nuclear weapons or change Iran’s nuclear doctrine. Sources familiar with the discussions say the debate remains at the level of political pressure and strategic signaling.
For years, Western governments have accused Iran of seeking the capability to build nuclear weapons, claims Tehran has consistently denied. Iranian authorities maintain that their nuclear program is civilian, pointing to religious prohibitions declared by Khamenei and commitments under the NPT.
However, the recent escalation appears to be reshaping internal thinking. Calls to withdraw from the NPT, once used mainly as leverage, are now being discussed more openly, including in state-linked media.
Tasnim News Agency has published commentary urging a rapid exit from the treaty while preserving Iran’s civilian nuclear program. Other hardline figures have echoed similar views.
Among them, Mohammad Javad Larijani has suggested suspending participation in the treaty and reassessing its value for national interests.
More direct rhetoric has also emerged. Conservative commentator Nasser Torabi said on state television that Iran should act to secure nuclear weapons, stating: “We must build nuclear weapons. Either we build them, or we obtain them.”