Iran’s Supreme Leader Urged to Revoke Fatwa on Nuclear Weapons – Report

A new report claims Iran’s Supreme Leader is being pressured to revoke the fatwa against nuclear weapons, sparking global security concerns.

According to a report by The Telegraph on Sunday, senior leaders of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) have called upon Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to revoke his long-established fatwa prohibiting the development and use of nuclear weapons.

They allegedly claimed that having atomic bombs is crucial for the country’s survival in light of increasing pressures from Western opponents.

Ayatollah Khamenei’s decree, originally issued in the mid-1990s and announced publicly in 2003, clearly prohibits the production, storage, and use of nuclear weapons as they are considered against Islamic values. This fatwa has been a fundamental element of Iran’s official policy on nuclear armament.

According to the AP, recent increases in regional tensions, highlighted by Israeli airstrikes on Iranian military facilities near Tehran, have fueled intense internal discussions about national defense strategies. The strikes specifically targeted sites linked to Iran’s missile production and former nuclear research, revealing weaknesses in the country’s defense infrastructure.

In response to these developments, IRGC leaders have reportedly voiced concerns that following the fatwa might leave Iran insufficiently equipped to confront existential threats. They argue that obtaining nuclear weapons would be a strong deterrent against opponents.

Since the 2015 nuclear deal fell apart after the United States withdrew in 2018, relations between Iran and Western countries have been tense. This development resulted in the reimposition of economic sanctions on Iran and heightened its diplomatic isolation. In spite of these difficulties, Ayatollah Khamenei has repeatedly rejected any possibility of negotiations with the US, deeming such discussions as imprudent and dishonorable.

The supreme leader’s firm stance against nuclear weapons is based on religious beliefs as well as a strategic plan to avoid additional international isolation.

The Telegraph’s analysts propose that if Ayatollah Khamenei were to reevaluate the fatwa, it might indicate a major change in Iran’s defense strategy, possibly accelerating nuclear development. This action could likely heighten tensions with Israel and its Western allies.