Iranian parliamentarian Seyed Mahmoud Nabavian publicly calls for permission to develop nuclear weapons, adding to growing debate over Tehran’s nuclear policy.
TEHRAN: Iranian parliamentarian Seyed Mahmoud Nabavian has publicly urged Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei to authorise the development of an atomic bomb, adding to growing calls within Iran to reconsider the country’s nuclear policy.
Nabavian made the appeal during a gathering in the religious city of Qom, where he said he had requested permission from the Supreme Leader to develop nuclear weapons.
In a statement shared publicly, the lawmaker said his appeal received expressions of approval from people attending the gathering.
His remarks come amid increasing debate among Iranian political figures over whether Tehran should change its longstanding position against developing nuclear weapons.
Several Iranian lawmakers have recently advocated reconsidering the country’s nuclear doctrine, arguing that changing regional security conditions require a review of its defence strategy.
Iran’s previous Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, had issued a religious ruling prohibiting the development, possession and use of nuclear weapons. The country’s leadership had repeatedly maintained that its nuclear programme was intended for peaceful purposes.
However, recent statements by Iranian parliamentarians have brought the question of nuclear deterrence back into public discussion.
The latest appeal by Nabavian does not represent an official government decision to develop nuclear weapons. No public response from Mojtaba Khamenei authorising such a programme has been established.
Iran’s nuclear policy remains an important international issue, particularly amid continuing tensions involving Tehran and Western countries.
The debate also raises questions about the future direction of Iran’s nuclear commitments and its position under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).
For now, the lawmaker’s statement reflects an individual political appeal rather than a confirmed change in Iran’s national nuclear policy.
