Iranian Lawmakers Urge Nuclear Weapons Development Amidst Looming UN Sanctions

Lawmakers Call for Defense Doctrine Shift

More than 70 Iranian lawmakers have formally called for a significant change in the country's defense doctrine, advocating for the acquisition of nuclear weapons as a deterrent. The demand was articulated in a letter addressed to Iran's Supreme National Security Council and the heads of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, with reports emerging around September 22-23, 2025.

The initiative, reportedly led by Hassan-Ali Akhlaghi Amiri, a lawmaker from Mashhad, seeks a re-evaluation of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's 2010 religious edict, or fatwa, which prohibits the production and use of nuclear weapons. The lawmakers argue that while the *use* of such weapons is forbidden, their 'construction and maintenance as deterrence is another matter.' They further contend that in Shia jurisprudence, a change in circumstances can alter a ruling, and the paramount obligation of safeguarding Islam and the Islamic Republic could justify such a shift.

Context of Renewed Sanctions and Regional Tensions

This push for nuclear weapons capability comes as Iran faces the imminent re-imposition of United Nations sanctions. European powers (France, Germany, and the United Kingdom), known as the E3, initiated a 'snapback' mechanism on August 28, 2025, accusing Tehran of non-compliance with the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The deadline for the full re-imposition of these sanctions is set for September 27, 2025.

The lawmakers' call is also set against a backdrop of heightened regional tensions, including a 'full-scale war' or 'large-scale assault' launched by Israel in June 2025, reportedly backed by the United States, which involved strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. These events appear to have fueled a growing sentiment within parts of the Iranian political establishment that a strategic re-evaluation is necessary.

Iran's Nuclear Program and International Scrutiny

Iran has consistently maintained that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, citing Supreme Leader Khamenei's fatwa as evidence of its intentions. However, international bodies and Western nations have expressed concerns over the program's trajectory. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) declared Iran non-compliant with its nuclear obligations on June 12, 2025.

Reports indicate that Iran has been enriching uranium to near-weapons-grade levels, reaching up to 60% purity, and its stockpiles significantly exceed the limits set by the JCPOA. Following the recent UN sanctions, Iran's Supreme National Security Council announced the suspension of cooperation with the IAEA, further complicating international oversight of its nuclear activities.