The United States has once again escalated its threats of military action against Iran and its nuclear programme. Recent reports indicate an increased concentration of US fighter jets and refuelling aircraft in the region, signalling a policy of brinkmanship aimed at forcing Iran into submission. However, this strategy carries a serious risk: instead of coercing Iran into abandoning its nuclear ambitions, it could push Tehran towards developing nuclear weapons as a viable deterrent against US threats.

For years, the Islamic Republic has insisted that it does not seek nuclear weapons, with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei even issuing a religious decree (fatwa) against their use. Yet, as external pressure has intensified, Iranian officials have hinted increasingly at reconsidering this stance. The latest — and perhaps most striking — statement came from Ali Larijani, the former Speaker of Iran’s Parliament and special envoy to the Supreme Leader, who warned that if the US or Israel attacks Iran’s nuclear facilities, Tehran would have no choice but to pursue nuclear arms. More significantly, he framed it as a demand of the Iranian people, arguing that national security concerns would force the government’s hand.

While Iranian leaders have long dismissed nuclear weapons as being incompatible with their........

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