Iran bans nuclear weapons development, extends olive branch to Trump
Jan 23, 2025
Tehran [Iran], January 23: Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has reportedly ordered a ban on the development of nuclear weapons in a gesture aimed at initiating dialogue with the administration of US President Donald Trump.
Newsweek magazine reported on January 22 that the head of Iran's military judiciary announced on January 21 the decision of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei to ban the development of nuclear weapons . The announcement was made just one day after Mr. Trump took office in the US.
"The late Leader (Ruhollah) Khomeini did not allow the use of chemical weapons or any unconventional and illegal weapons, even against hostile forces. Based on that doctrine, the Supreme Leader (Ali Khamenei) did not allow the armed forces of the Islamic Republic to develop nuclear weapons ," Ahmadreza Pourkhaghan, head of Iran's military judiciary, said in Tehran on January 21.
According to Newsweek , this could be a move to restore dialogue with the US to ease sanctions on Iran. However, this action does not mean that the Gulf country's nuclear activities will stop.
The ban on nuclear weapons development suggests that economic issues have become a priority for Iran and that it may be willing to negotiate with the United States and other powers to restore its financial situation. Iran may also be taking a new approach to Mr. Trump .
At a discussion session within the framework of the World Economic Forum in Davos (Switzerland) on January 22, Iran's Vice President in charge of strategic affairs Mohammad Javad Zarif denied that his country wanted nuclear weapons and suggested supporting dialogue to improve relations with the West, according to Reuters.
"We always hope that people will make rational choices. I hope this time, the Trump 2.0 administration will be more serious, focused and realistic," Mr. Zarif said.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper
