Ayatollah Khamenei’s top adviser warns Iran could “have no choice” but to pursue nuclear weapons if bombed, after Trump threatens military action over stalled nuclear talks.
April 1, 2025: Tehran – Iran has issued a stark warning that it may pursue nuclear weapons if attacked, following escalating threats from U.S. President Donald Trump.
In a televised interview on Monday, Ali Larijani, a senior adviser to Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, declared:
“We are not moving towards nuclear weapons, but if you [the U.S. or its allies] do something wrong, Iran will have no choice but to defend itself.”
This warning follows President Trump’s latest remarks over the weekend, where he threatened bombing Iran if it refused to reenter negotiations to curb its nuclear programme, as reported by NBC News.
Iran Responds with Firm Threats
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei responded defiantly in a speech marking the end of Ramadan:
“If [the threat] is carried out, they will definitely receive a strong counterattack.”
In a formal protest, Iran’s UN Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani submitted a letter to the UN Security Council, condemning what he called “warmongering provocations” and vowed a “swift and decisive” response to any aggression from the U.S. or Israel.
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Iran’s Foreign Ministry also summoned the Swiss chargé d’affaires, who represents U.S. interests in Tehran, to issue a formal protest.
Iran’s Military Leaders Weigh In
IRGC commander General Amirali Hajizadeh, who oversees Iran’s ballistic missile program, warned:
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“The Americans have 10 bases and 50,000 troops around Iran. Someone in a glass house shouldn’t throw stones.”
Back to ‘Maximum Pressure’
Since returning to office in January, Trump has reinstated his “maximum pressure” strategy on Tehran. This includes reimposing harsh sanctions and threatening further military action, echoing his first-term approach.
The 2015 Iran nuclear deal, which the U.S. withdrew from in 2018 under Trump, had limited Iran’s uranium enrichment in exchange for sanctions relief. Since then, Iran has ramped up its nuclear program, while insisting its activities remain peaceful.
Diplomatic Backchannels Still Open
Despite tensions, indirect diplomatic efforts appear ongoing. According to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Iran received Trump’s letter (sent March 12 via a UAE envoy) and replied through Oman—a traditional mediator between the two nations.
“We will not hold direct talks under pressure or threat, but indirect dialogue remains open,” Araghchi said.
President Masoud Pezeshkian confirmed that Khamenei had approved indirect talks, which may involve other regional intermediaries.
Wider Regional Flashpoints
Beyond its nuclear issue, Iran is also accused by the West of backing proxy forces across the region. Khamenei rejected the claim, instead labeling Israel as the “only proxy force” in the Middle East and called for its eradication.
“There is only one corrupt, usurper regime in this region,” Khamenei said, targeting Israel.
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Iran nuclear threat, Trump Iran bombing warning, Khamenei nuclear policy, US Iran tensions 2025, Middle East conflict, IRGC missile program, Tehran nuclear programme, Swiss embassy US Iran, indirect US Iran talks, Oman diplomacy Iran, UN Security Council Iran, Israel Iran conflict