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A senior Iranian parliamentarian has made a provocative statement about the country’s nuclear program, warning that Tehran may increase uranium enrichment to 90% if the nation is attacked again. The threat comes as tensions between Iran and the West continue to escalate, with ongoing disputes over the country’s nuclear activities and the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.
Ebrahim Rezaei, an MP and member of the hardline Guardian Council, made the comments in an interview with Iranian media outlet Tasnim News Agency. The council is a powerful body that vets presidential candidates and approves or rejects legislation passed by parliament. It is seen as a key player in Iranian politics and often reflects the views of the country’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Rezaei’s comments were widely reported in Iranian media and sparked concerns in Western capitals, where fears of a potential escalation have been growing for some time. Iran has been enriching uranium to 60% in recent months, although the exact levels of enrichment are difficult to determine due to restrictions on international inspectors.
The Iranian parliamentarian’s words were echoed by some of his colleagues who have previously called for a more aggressive response to Western pressure. However, others have cautioned against such a move, warning that increased enrichment could lead to further isolation and sanctions from the international community.
The timing of Rezaei’s comments is significant, coming as the US and its allies are considering new sanctions against Iran in response to the country’s continued support for Russian military actions in Ukraine. The US and EU have long claimed that Iran’s nuclear activities pose a risk to global security and are working to limit Tehran’s ability to enrich uranium.
While Rezaei’s words should not be taken lightly, they are part of a larger pattern of Iranian rhetoric and policy that reflects the country’s desire to maintain its sovereignty and regional influence. Iran has long maintained that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, although the international community has been skeptical of this claim.
Experts say that a 90% enrichment rate would be a significant escalation, but it is unclear whether Iran has the capability to reach such levels. The country’s nuclear program has faced significant disruptions and damage in recent years, particularly after a devastating cyberattack in 2021.
As tensions between Iran and the West continue to simmer, the international community will be watching closely for any signs of escalation. While Rezaei’s comments are alarming, they are also a reflection of Iran’s determination to assert its independence and interests in a rapidly changing world.
The full text of Ebrahim Rezaei’s interview was not immediately available, although Tasnim news agency reported his statement as follows: ‘If Iran is attacked again, we will certainly have 90% uranium enrichment, as the country’s people and officials will unite against foreign threats.’