The Iranian regime has always sought nuclear weapons, but at the moment, this ambition may have taken on an unprecedented urgency. For decades, the ruling clerics have perceived nuclear capability as a symbol of power and ideological triumph. Now, more than ever before, the regime may be prepared to use every trick, tactic and deception it has cultivated over the years to achieve that goal.
Iran’s leaders appear to see nuclear weapons not simply as a strategic tool, but as an existential necessity—a shield for the regime’s survival and a sword to advance its revolutionary ideology. One of the core reasons Iran has reportedly been ratcheting up its pursuit of nuclear weapons again might be the shock it experienced during June’s 12-day war with Israel.
The conflict exposed, in a brutally clear manner, how deeply inferior Iran’s military capabilities are compared to those of Israel and the United States, especially its air force and advanced warfare infrastructure. Iran watched its proxy forces struggle and realized that in a direct confrontation, it lacks the conventional military strength to deter or defeat its adversaries.
This realization may well have intensified the regime’s belief that a nuclear weapon is the great equalizer. Iran’s leadership sees that one nuclear-armed missile aimed at Israel could accomplish what decades of proxy warfare, rhetoric and regional maneuvering have failed to do. (Ed note: Very interesting thoughts from this author.) (Read More)