Nournews: In his recent statements, Rafael Grossi, the Director-General of the IAEA, emphasized that the opportunity for reaching an agreement with Iran is running out and that Iran could soon produce the materials necessary to build a nuclear bomb. This warning, which seems more like part of efforts to intensify international pressure on Iran, not only fails to present a realistic picture of Iran’s nuclear situation but also appears to be a political tool aimed at legitimizing the hostile policies of U.S. President Donald Trump and his new executive order to reinstate the failed maximum pressure strategy.
Iran’s defense doctrine and the stance of the leader of the Islamic Revolution have repeatedly stated that nuclear weapons have no place in its defense strategy. The fatwa issued by the Leader of the Islamic Revolution prohibiting the production and use of nuclear weapons remains the cornerstone of the country’s defense policy. This policy has not only been officially announced but also, in practice, Iran has never pursued the production of nuclear weapons and is under strict supervision by the IAEA. To date, no deviations in Iran’s nuclear program have been observed in IAEA reports.
Approaching the "sunset clause" and the JCPOA challenges
As October 2025 approaches, and with the activation of the JCPOA’s "sunset clause" that will reduce restrictions on Iran’s nuclear program and return it to normal status, Western countries have intensified pressure on Iran. The U.S., which has withdrawn from the JCPOA and is no longer a member of the agreement, is now seeking to use European countries to activate the "snapback" mechanism (automatic return of sanctions). Some members of the U.S. Congress have also raised this request and called for the reactivation of UN sanctions against Iran.
These efforts clearly demonstrate the U.S.'s desire to increase pressure on Iran through European countries. European nations, regardless of the U.S.'s stance, also seem inclined to use the snapback mechanism.
Trump’s executive order and media campaign
Donald Trump recently signed a new executive order aimed at reactivating the maximum pressure policy against Iran. This order includes new sanctions targeting individuals and entities related to Iran's nuclear and defense programs. The economic pressures resulting from these sanctions will primarily affect the economic and livelihood conditions of the Iranian people. Meanwhile, media campaigns about Iran’s ability to produce a nuclear bomb, frequently raised by some Western media, are designed to fuel concerns and justify new pressures. These campaigns not only distort the true state of Iran's nuclear situation but also serve as a political tool to increase economic and political pressures against the country.
The new U.S. policies and sanctions, especially those targeting Iran's oil exports, aim to restrict the country's economic and financial capacities. However, experience has shown that economic pressures and sanctions cannot inflict a decisive blow to the country’s economic structure. These actions have thus far failed to stop Iran’s nuclear program. Despite sanctions, Iran has been able to strengthen its nuclear capabilities.
The future of Iran's nuclear program
The key question is whether these new pressures can force Iran to change its policies or retreat. The reality is that the Islamic Republic of Iran has not only resisted foreign pressures but is also seriously committed to maintaining its nuclear program within the framework of international agreements.
NOURNEWS