TEHRAN – Former Iranian nuclear negotiators continue their military attacks on Israel, warning that a failed diplomatic mission from the US could draw closer to the pursuit of nuclear weapons as a way of deterrence.
In an interview with CNN, Seyed Hossein Mousavian argued that Tehran had no intention of developing nuclear weapons in the first place. However, he said the recent attacks and increased pressure from Israel have strengthened the belief that nuclear deterrence could be the only way to ensure national security.
Musavane emphasized that Iran has historically maintained transparency in its nuclear activity and allows extensive testing by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). He noted that, in contrast to Israel’s stance, that Israel owns an undeclared arsenal of 100-400 nuclear weapons, and unlike Iran, it is not a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
Elsewhere in his remarks, the Musabians criticized the military threats to Iran’s nuclear facilities, particularly the underground Fordau factory, as ineffective and illegal under international law. He said airstrikes may delay Iran’s nuclear program for a limited period of time, but they cannot rule out the technical expertise and knowledge behind it.
Mousavian condemned the current situation regarding the Trump administration’s decision to unilaterally withdraw the Joint Comprehensive Action Plan (JCPOA) in 2018, dismantling what he described as a diplomatic framework he worked for.
Under the JCPOA, Iran had agreed to limit its enrichment activities and undergo the most rigorous testing regime in its history of nuclear non-proliferation. After the US withdrawal and subsequent sanctions spread, Iran expanded its nuclear capabilities, reducing breakout times to just weeks.
The Musabians then argued that the policy change taught Iran that, without intention, even full cooperation with international nuclear authorities would not hinder sanctions or military threats. As a result, it sends a message to Iran that it could be the only viable path to deterrence and survival in the face of external attacks.
On the day of the interview, the European Foreign Minister held a consultation with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragut in Geneva.
In that respect, Mousavia outlined potential diplomatic solutions, including both short-term and long-term measures. In the short term, he recommended that Iran ensure full transparency, convert or export 60% uranium stockpile, and return to previous agreements that would reduce enrichment to less than 5% to ensure peaceful purposes. In the long term, it proposes a multilateral regional enrichment consortium, including Iran and (other) Persian Gulf countries, aiming to provide a permanent and peaceful framework for uranium enrichment across the region.
Mousavian concluded that continued hostility, military strikes and diplomatic isolation, particularly affected by Israeli strikes, would likely push Iran towards weaponization.
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