Fereydoon Abbasi, the former head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization, has called for ramping up uranium enrichment following the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) November 21 resolution censuring Tehran for its lack of transparency. In comments to ISNA, Abbasi claimed Iran has cooperated “beyond its commitments” with the agency and declared, “The time has come to move towards higher enrichment to advance our technical and nuclear knowledge.”
Abbasi’s remarks expose the clerical regime’s strategy of deflection and aggression as it faces international condemnation for its nuclear violations. Instead of addressing the concerns raised by the IAEA and the global community, Tehran is attempting to intimidate its critics by escalating its nuclear threats. “Unless we activate the Arak heavy water reactor and produce plutonium for research purposes, this trend will continue,” Abbasi asserted, signaling Tehran’s intent to double down on its violations rather than comply with international obligations.
Echoing Abbasi’s defiance, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, during a parliamentary session on November 24, criticized the “destructive and politically motivated actions” of the Western powers. Ghalibaf stated, “The unjustified resolution exploits our peaceful nuclear program as a pretext for illegitimate actions. Iran’s immediate response includes deploying advanced centrifuges.” Ghalibaf also hinted at future steps that could move Iran away from IAEA protocols, warning, “Such measures only push nations to adopt security policies outside agency frameworks.”
This sentiment was mirrored by Fatemeh Mohammadbeigi, a parliament member, who expressed her frustration over the IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi’s recent visit to Iran. “Grossi’s biased trip and excessive inspections only emboldened this unjust resolution. Those advocating for appeasement must answer to both God and the Iranian people.”
#Iran’s Regime Gripped by Fear Over Potential Activation of #UNSC Snapback Mechanismhttps://t.co/ZQmuuxPniw
— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) November 24, 2024
Several Iranian officials advocated for more extreme measures, including leaving the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) or producing a nuclear bomb. “If we build a nuclear bomb, even Trump’s tone will change,” Ahmad Bakhshayesh Ardestani argued on November 23.
MP Ruhollah Najabat stated, “Scaling back cooperation and exiting the NPT must be on the table to respond to the resolution’s hostility.”
Former Iranian diplomat Nasrollah Tajik warned of dire consequences, noting, “Each resolution lays the groundwork for eventual Security Council involvement.” This was reinforced by Korosh Ahmadi, another former diplomat, who cautioned about the looming “snapback” mechanism that could reimpose UN sanctions.
Even religious authorities have begun advocating for a shift in nuclear policy. On November 23, Mohammadreza Hamedi, the Friday prayer leader of Pardisan, urged Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei to reconsider his fatwa against nuclear weapons. “This weapon is not for use but for deterrence. Producing it ensures our survival and security,” Hamedi said, framing it as a matter of national defense.
#Iran News: Larijani Claims Tehran Can Achieve Military #Nuclear Readiness in 24 Hourshttps://t.co/KtTUnFtBPs
— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) November 19, 2024
State-controlled media, including Kayhan and Khorasan, highlighted the potential dangers of continued international defiance. Kayhan suggested retaliatory measures such as barring European ships from the Strait of Hormuz, while Khorasan warned of the possibility of Chapter VII sanctions and the reopening of Iran’s file at the UN Security Council.
While Iranian officials claim their nuclear program is peaceful, their actions tell a different story. Instead of addressing questions about uranium traces found at undeclared sites or halting enrichment to near-weapons-grade levels, the regime has chosen to escalate.
To counter this threat effectively, the international community must urgently activate the snapback mechanism and reinstate the six UN Security Council resolutions—a decisive response that is long overdue. However, the ultimate solution to Tehran’s malign behavior and the path to ensuring regional stability lies in empowering the Iranian people and their organized Resistance to bring about regime change and dismantle this dictatorship once and for all.
