'Fatwa Forbids Nuclear Weapons' In Iran But Intelligence Minister Has This Warning

Alavi, however, added that Tehran has no plans to move toward a nuclear weapon under the present circumstances. Iran has so far maintained the programme is only for peaceful purposes only. Moreover, the fatwa or religious edict issued earlier by Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei states the nuclear weapons are forbidden.

Iranian intelligence minister Mahmoud Alavi | AFP

In what marks a departure from Tehran’s position on the nuclear programme, Iran’s Intelligence Minister Mahmoud Alavi has warned the West that his nation could push for a nuclear weapon if international sanctions remain in place.

“Our nuclear programme is peaceful and the fatwa by the supreme leader has forbidden nuclear weapons but if they push Iran into that direction then it wouldn't be Iran's fault but theirs,” Alavi was quoted as saying by state television, AP reports.

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Alavi, however, added that Tehran has no plans to move toward a nuclear weapon under the present circumstances. Iran has so far maintained the programme is only for peaceful purposes only. Moreover, the fatwa or religious edict issued earlier by Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei states the nuclear weapons are forbidden.

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Earlier on Sunday, Khamenei urged the US to lift all sanctions if it wants Iran to live up to commitments under its 2015 nuclear deal with the world powers. 

US President Joe Biden has, however, said he will not lift economic sanctions against Iran until it complies with the terms agreed under a 2015 nuclear deal, which sought to limit Tehran’s nuclear programme with sanctions eased in return.