Iran’s top Revolutionary Guard commander Ahmad Vahidi stated Wednesday that Tehran would continue developing nuclear weapons as long as the United States and Israel possess nuclear arsenals, escalating concerns that Iran may be using negotiations over the Strait of Hormuz to delay concessions on its nuclear program.
Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s prime minister, responded by reaffirming Israel’s commitment to preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, regardless of diplomatic outcomes. His remarks came during a ceremony marking the reinterment of Theodor Herzl’s grandparents in Jerusalem.
Immediate Developments
Vahidi’s Statement: The IRGC commander’s remarks, translated and circulated Wednesday, directly linked Iran’s nuclear ambitions to the presence of nuclear weapons in the U.S. and Israel. He stated: “As long as the United States and Israel possess nuclear weapons, we will continue working on them for our national security. If they disarm, we will disarm.”
Netanyahu’s Response: Netanyahu characterized Vahidi’s comments as an explicit declaration of Iran’s intent to pursue nuclear weapons. He said: “Today, we heard the commander of the Revolutionary Guards, Vahidi, explicitly declare Iran’s intention to continue developing nuclear weapons—‘continue,’ as he put it.” Netanyahu added that Israel would take necessary measures to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear capabilities, with or without a diplomatic agreement.
Regional and International Context
The exchange unfolded amid ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping corridor where recent negotiations have sought to address regional security concerns. Analysts suggest Iran may be leveraging these talks to delay or dilute concessions on its nuclear program, though no direct evidence of such a strategy has been provided in the reports.
U.S.-Israel Cooperation: Netanyahu praised President Donald Trump as Israel’s strongest ally in the White House, highlighting joint efforts to counter Iran’s nuclear ambitions. He emphasized: “Israel’s existence is not subject to negotiation. With an agreement or without an agreement, I am determined—we are all determined—to do whatever is necessary to ensure our security and our future.”
Expert Warnings and Policy Implications
Nuclear experts have urged the Trump administration to prioritize Iran’s nuclear program in any negotiations, warning that Tehran could use the Hormuz crisis as a distraction. While the reports do not specify the experts’ identities or affiliations, their concerns underscore the complexity of balancing regional security priorities with nuclear non-proliferation goals.
Background: Ahmad Vahidi
Ahmad Vahidi, Iran’s IRGC commander-in-chief, has been a prominent figure in the country’s military and security apparatus. His past has been tied to international controversies, including allegations of involvement in attacks abroad and adherence to the ideology of “Death to America.” The reports do not provide additional details on these claims beyond their mention.
Historical Context: Fordow Nuclear Site
The remarks follow recent damage to Iran’s Fordow nuclear site, which was struck by the U.S. in Operation Midnight Hammer on June 22, 2025. While the reports do not link this incident directly to Vahidi’s statement, it highlights the ongoing volatility in the region’s nuclear landscape.
Unanswered Questions
The reports do not clarify whether Iran’s nuclear program remains within the parameters of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the 2015 nuclear deal from which the U.S. withdrew in 2018. Additionally, no details are provided on the status of current negotiations or the specific concessions Iran may be delaying.
The situation remains fluid, with further developments expected as regional and international actors assess the implications of Vahidi’s statement and Netanyahu’s response.