Iran must develop nuclear bomb to protect 'peace and calm,' IRGC media says

Key Points:

• An Iranian state media outlet linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps declared that Iran has "no choice" but to develop a nuclear bomb to negotiate from a position of strength and achieve peace through nuclear deterrence.
• The article compares Iran’s situation with the US to China’s in the 1970s, suggesting that nuclear capability is essential for balancing power and controlling conflict scope with nuclear-armed adversaries like the US and Israel.
• Despite Iran's recent Memorandum of Understanding with the US, which includes allowing International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors access to nuclear sites and pledging not to develop nuclear weapons, Iran has yet to grant access to some sites and its enriched uranium stockpiles remain unaccounted for.
• IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi emphasized the need for strong verification systems to ensure Iran's nuclear program remains peaceful, noting that intentions alone are insufficient for certainty.
• Iranian officials defended their right to self-defense and criticized Gulf neighbors for aggression and silence on Israel’s nuclear arsenal, framing Iran’s military capabilities as essential for regional peace and stability.