Iranian nuclear scientist Mahmoud-Reza Aghamiri publicly asserted that Iran possesses the technical knowledge and capability to build a nuclear bomb, saying that such capacity alone creates deterrence and would prevent enemies from threatening the country.

Aghamiri’s remarks come amid a broader pattern of hardline rhetoric from Tehran and growing tensions over its nuclear program, including Iran’s recent steps to curb cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency and statements by senior officials stressing readiness to respond to external threats.

Experts warn that public declarations by senior scientists can be as consequential as technical activity: they may be intended to signal deterrence to rivals, rally domestic audiences, and complicate diplomatic efforts to curb weaponization. Analysts say such statements increase international concern and could harden responses from Western capitals and regional actors.

Tehran, however, continues to publicly insist it does not seek nuclear weapons while reserving the right to revise doctrine if it feels existentially threatened — a stance that keeps the door open to escalation and makes verification by international inspectors more urgent. The evolving situation underscores the fragile balance between diplomatic engagement, monitoring by the IAEA, and the risk of further regional destabilization.