Strategic Affairs
Iranian regime insider warns of 24-hour nuclear capability
The Iranian nuclear program is 'unstoppable,' said a former adviser to Ali Khamenei, as its stockpile of enrichment uranium reaches all-time high levels.
![Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' Aerospace Force Amir Ali Hajizadeh look on at the new 'Jihad' missile at a parade in Tehran on September 21. [Atta Kenare/AFP]](/gc7/images/2024/11/20/48230-jihadmissile-370_237.webp)
By Global Watch and AFP |
Iran's nuclear program has reached a pivotal stage, with Mohammad-Javad Larijani, a former top adviser to Iranian leader Ali Khamenei, asserting the country could achieve nuclear weapon capability within 24 hours.
Larijani made this statement during a November 18 television interview on IRINN TV.
Disputing European assessments of a 48-hour timeline, Larijani insisted Iran could reach military nuclear capability in half that time. He emphasized Iran's strategic deterrence, warning that external threats would prompt immediate policy changes from Tehran and a "decisive response," while declaring the nuclear program "unstoppable."
The statement coincides with United Nations nuclear watchdog findings that Iran's enriched uranium stockpile has exceeded the 2015 nuclear accord limits by more than 32 times.
A confidential International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) report seen by AFP revealed Iran's total enriched uranium stockpile had reached 6,604.4kg as of October 26, an increase of 852.6kg since August.
Mixed signals
Recent talks between IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Tehran have yielded signs of compromise, the Financial Times (FT) and other media reported.
"On 16 November 2024, the agency verified... that Iran had begun implementation of preparatory measures aimed at stopping the increase of its stockpile of uranium enriched up to 60 percent," the IAEA said in its report.
The Iranian regime remains the only non-nuclear weapon state enriching uranium to 60% -- just short of the 90% required for atomic weapons.
As the IAEA board of governors prepares to meet, European powers, backed by the United States, are seeking to censure Tehran for its limited cooperation with the nuclear watchdog. This censure is meant to pressure Iran diplomatically to address IAEA concerns and return to international compliance, diplomats told AFP.
Tehran, meanwhile, continues to issue veiled threats. "Iran will respond in a proportionate and appropriate manner" to a European censure, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said November 20, according to DW.com.