Iranian Lawmaker Calls for Nuclear Weapons if US Launches New Attacks
An Iranian senior lawmaker has called for the country to consider using nuclear weapons as a deterrent if the United States launches another attack on Iran, adding to growing debate over Tehran’s nuclear policy.
Mohammad-Saleh Jokar, head of the Iranian parliament’s Internal Affairs Committee, argued that Iran should have the option of using nuclear weapons and other deterrent capabilities to prevent further military action against the country.
Jokar also suggested that Tehran consider suspending its obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) if Washington attacks again. The treaty is an international agreement designed to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and promote nuclear disarmament while allowing the peaceful use of nuclear technology.
However, his remarks represent a political proposal rather than an official announcement that Iran has changed its nuclear policy or decided to suspend its treaty commitments.
The debate over Iran’s nuclear ambitions has intensified following military confrontations involving the United States and Israel in 2026. Some hard-line figures in Iran have increasingly questioned whether the country should reconsider its longstanding position against developing nuclear weapons.
Iran has historically maintained that it does not seek to develop nuclear weapons. Former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had also issued a religious ruling against their development, stockpiling and use.
Despite growing pressure from hard-line politicians, no formal policy shift has been established by Jokar’s comments alone. Senior Iranian officials have previously indicated that the country has not abandoned its stated position on nuclear weapons, although leaving the NPT has been discussed as a possible response to mounting pressure.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said on October 16 that Washington did not need to use nuclear weapons against Iran, while also referring to the possibility of further strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities.
Jokar’s remarks come amid continuing tensions between Washington and Tehran, raising fresh concerns about the future of nuclear diplomacy and regional security.
Whether Iran will reconsider its nuclear policy or alter its status under the NPT will ultimately depend on decisions by the country’s senior leadership and relevant authorities. For now, the lawmaker’s proposal highlights the growing divide within Iran over how to respond to potential future attacks.
Reporting by Borderless for The Borderless Journal. Filed under Uncategorized · 23 Oct 2026, 10:00.
