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By Amir Daftari
News Reporter
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Amid ongoing nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States, an Iranian lawmaker has called on Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to reconsider the country's nuclear weapons ban should talks fail to yield sanctions relief, according to state media.
Nadergholi Ebrahimi's remarks, delivered during a parliamentary session on Monday, come as U.S. President Donald Trump embarks on a Middle East tour, focusing on economic partnerships while regional tensions escalate.
Newsweek reached out to the U.S. State Department and Iran's foreign ministry for comment.
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Why It Matters
Ebrahimi's statement underscores growing frustration within Iran's political sphere regarding the protracted negotiations with the United States. His call for a potential shift in nuclear policy reflects concerns over the effectiveness of diplomatic efforts and the ongoing economic impact of sanctions. Simultaneously, Trump's visit to Gulf nations, excluding Israel, has raised concerns in Tel Aviv about diminished U.S. support, especially amid escalating conflicts in Gaza and Iran's advancing nuclear capabilities.
What to Know
Iran's current nuclear doctrine, rooted in a fatwa issued by Khamenei, prohibits the development and use of nuclear weapons, labeling them as "forbidden." However, recent statements from Iranian officials suggest that this stance could change if Iran's nuclear facilities are threatened. Last month, Ali Larijani, a senior adviser to the Khamenei, declared on state television that any military strike by the U.S. or Israel would "justify" Iran's pursuit of nuclear arms.
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U.S.-Iran Nuclear Talks
The fourth round of nuclear negotiations between Iran and the U.S. concluded in Muscat, Oman, on Sunday. Both sides acknowledged progress yet remained divided on key issues.
Iran insists on its right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes, while the U.S. demands a complete halt to enrichment activities. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reiterated Tehran's commitment to uranium enrichment, suggesting possible adjustments in enrichment levels but rejecting a full cessation.
Trump's Gulf Tour
Meanwhile, President Trump is set to depart for the Middle East trip on Monday, visiting Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates to secure massive investment deals—but notably skipping Israel. That omission has alarmed Israeli officials, especially after Trump halted U.S. strikes on Iran-backed Houthis.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is seeking to steer Trump away from backing any Israeli military strike on Iran, wary of a wider conflict that could destabilize the Gulf and derail economic plans, Bloomberg reported.
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What People Are Saying
Iranian lawmaker Nadergholi Ebrahimi said: "If the negotiations result in lifting sanctions, they should continue. Otherwise, we demand the talks be stopped and request the Supreme Leader reconsider Iran's nuclear weapons doctrine."
Negar Mortazavi, senior fellow at the Center for International Policy and host of The Iran Podcast, told Newsweek: "There's a lot of will from both Iran and the U.S. for the nuclear talks to be successful, and now also from the Arab states that President Trump is set to visit. And by not going Israel during his Middle East tour, Trump is positioning the U.S. for a deal with Iran."
What Happens Next
The outcome of the U.S.-Iran talks will be pivotal in determining the future of the Iranian nuclear program and Tehran's relations with the international community. Meanwhile, President Trump's engagements in the Gulf may influence regional alliances and economic strategies, potentially impacting the broader geopolitical landscape.
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