US assesses Mojtaba Khamenei more interested in nuclear weapons than predecessor - report

US intelligence agencies assess that Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, exhibits a stronger interest in acquiring nuclear weapons compared to his late father and predecessor, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. This heightened ambition is reportedly fueled by the events of February, when the elder Khamenei was killed during US and Israeli military operations against Iran.

Officials briefed on the intelligence, as reported by The New York Times, indicated that the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei intensified Tehran's pursuit of nuclear capabilities. Much of the information regarding Mojtaba Khamenei's views predates the war, as he has remained in hiding since being injured in the strike that killed his father. His communications with other Iranian officials are reportedly limited due to his avoidance of public appearances, stemming from fears of further airstrikes.

Despite these circumstances, intelligence agencies believe Iran has not yet taken steps to restart nuclear enrichment and weapons development. However, significant efforts have been made to preserve nuclear assets that were damaged by US and Israeli strikes. According to US officials, these preservation measures include relocating centrifuges to the fortified underground complex of Pickaxe Mountain. This action could enable Iran to maintain access to the necessary equipment for enriching uranium and constructing a nuclear weapon.

While the former Supreme Leader maintained a public facade of hesitation regarding nuclear pursuits, Mojtaba Khamenei reportedly does not present the same pretense. US officials suggest that Iranian figures who argued a nuclear weapon was the sole deterrent against US or Israeli strikes may now hold stronger positions under the new leadership. The intelligence suggests Khamenei is interested in developing a thermonuclear warhead for a long-range missile, a more advanced capability than previously assessed by the Biden administration.