'No choice but to build atomic bomb': IRGC-linked media urges Iran to pursue nuclear weapon despite US deal

Iranian media linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is advocating for the development of nuclear weapons, asserting that Iran has "no choice" but to pursue them for its security. This stance emerges despite a recent preliminary agreement with the United States that includes provisions against developing nuclear arms.

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No choice but to build the atomic bomb

The article, published by the state-affiliated Fars news agency and titled "No choice but to build the atomic bomb," argues that Tehran must negotiate with adversaries from a position of strength and strategic deterrence. It posits that "To achieve the peace and calm that Iran needs, it must absolutely reach nuclear deterrence to ensure that the rest of the issues can be resolved through negotiation."

Drawing a parallel with China's strategic position in the 1970s, the piece suggests that Beijing could only negotiate effectively with the US after developing nuclear weapons. "America threatened China with nuclear attack twice, similar to Trump's recent nuclear threats against Iran, but when did Kissinger secretly meet with the Chinese and then negotiate? It was when China built the atomic bomb," the article stated. It further contends that nuclear weapons would establish a balance of power against nuclear-armed nations like the United States and Israel, making conflict controllable rather than preventing it entirely.

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To achieve the peace and calm that Iran needs, it must absolutely reach nuclear deterrence to ensure that the rest of the issues can be resolved through negotiation.

These arguments surface despite a memorandum of understanding signed between Washington and Tehran earlier this month. Under this agreement, Iran consented to allow International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors access to its nuclear facilities, which had been suspended last year. Iran also pledged not to develop nuclear weapons, while the US urged Tehran to suspend uranium enrichment activities for 20 years.

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America threatened China with nuclear attack twice, similar to Trump's recent nuclear threats against Iran, but when did Kissinger secretly meet with the Chinese and then negotiate? It was when China built the atomic bomb.

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi has reiterated calls for unrestricted access to Iran's nuclear facilities. "The government of Iran has affirmed quite clearly that [developing nuclear weapons] is not their intention, but of course, intentions are not enough," Grossi told reporters. "In order to have certainty, we need to have a very strong system of verification as soon as practicable." While Iran has agreed to allow inspectors in September, access to sites damaged during past US strikes remains ungranted, and the whereabouts of its enriched uranium stockpile are unclear. Iranian officials continue to maintain that the country's military capabilities are vital for national security.

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Nuclear deterrence means that you can reach a balance of power against America and Israel, who possess atomic bombs, not so that war does not happen, but so that the scope of conflict remains controllable.