Iran debating whether to maintain ban on nuclear weapons, regime's security chief Rezaei says

What Happened

Iran is debating whether to maintain its longstanding ban on nuclear weapons if hostilities resume, though no decision has been made, according to Mohsen Rezaei, Iran's Security Council chief, speaking on state TV on Saturday. Rezaei said Iran 'seriously follows diplomacy' but will not abandon the rights of the Iranian people, and that the nuclear issue can only be discussed once the United States meets Iran's demands. He added that Iran's nuclear rights under the Non-Proliferation Treaty should be respected if nuclear negotiations take place in later stages. Rezaei, a former commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), also said the conflict with the US must end 'permanently' and that no country should 'dare' to attack Iran again. He said the Strait of Hormuz will 'remain closed' until all of Iran's demands are met, and described the tone of US Vice President JD Vance's letter as having 'completely changed, which is a good sign as it shows the Iranian people's victory.' All statements are attributed to Rezaei via state TV; no independent verification of the nuclear debate or the Strait closure status was provided.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The remarks signal that Tehran may be publicly considering abandoning its stated prohibition on nuclear weapons as part of its escalation ladder, a shift with major proliferation implications for the Middle East. The explicit threat to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed until all Iranian demands are met highlights the risk of disruption to a critical chokepoint for global oil transit. The discussion of a changed US tone also suggests possible diplomatic maneuvering amid heightened military tensions.

Watch For

Watch for any formal statement from Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei or other Iranian leadership confirming or denying a review of the nuclear weapons ban, any new IAEA findings on Iran's enrichment activity, and US responses to Rezaei's remarks. Monitor for any IRGC Navy actions or shipping incidents in the Strait of Hormuz, and whether nuclear negotiations advance beyond preconditions following the US letter from Vice President JD Vance.