Iran Warns: ‘No choice but nukes’ after Trump’s threat
Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s adviser, Ali Larijani, warned that Iran would pursue nuclear weapons if attacked by the U.S. or its allies. His statement followed former U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to bomb Iran if it refused a nuclear deal. Trump also warned of severe secondary tariffs.
Khamenei vowed retaliation if Trump followed through on his threat. Speaking on state TV, Larijani clarified Iran’s stance. “We are not moving toward nuclear weapons, but if you make a wrong move, you will force us to defend ourselves.” He added, “Iran does not want this, but if you bomb us—directly or through Israel—you will leave us no choice.”
Uncertainty remained about whether Trump meant a direct U.S. attack or an operation involving Israel, Iran’s regional rival. During a speech marking the end of Ramadan, Khamenei responded forcefully. “If they act on their threats, they will face a strong counterattack,” he warned.
Iran’s UN ambassador, Amir Saeid Iravani, condemned the U.S. threats in a letter to the UN Security Council. He warned that Iran would respond swiftly to any aggression from the U.S. or its ally, Israel. Meanwhile, Iran’s foreign ministry summoned the charge d’affaires of the Swiss embassy, which represents American interests in Iran.
General Amirali Hajizadeh, a senior commander in Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, highlighted the U.S. military presence near Iran. “The Americans have at least 10 bases in the region with 50,000 troops,” he said. He also issued a stark warning: “Someone in a glass room shouldn’t throw stones.”
For years, Western nations, including the U.S., have accused Iran of developing nuclear weapons. Tehran has repeatedly denied these claims, insisting its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes. However, rising tensions and recent threats have pushed Iran to reconsider its stance on nuclear defense.
