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Washington intelligence assessments indicate that Mojtaba Khamenei, following the February death of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, adopts a more favorable stance toward nuclear armament, raising concerns over Iran’s nuclear trajectory. According to The New York Times, fresh US intelligence suggests Mojtaba harbors fewer ideological qualms about weaponization than his predecessor, whose 2003 religious ban on weapons of mass destruction historically tempered international concern.
Intelligence Assessments and Mojtaba Khamenei’s Stance
While Mojtaba Khamenei has never publicly called for the use of nuclear bombs, intelligence evaluations indicate he may support the development of a more advanced arsenal. Analysts note he is thought to favor sophisticated warheads small enough to sit atop long-range missiles. For years under the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Tehran quietly expanded its nuclear infrastructure and preserved the option to build a weapon, though the actual development remained uncertain due to the formal religious edict, or fatwa.
Intelligence regarding Mojtaba Khamenei’s intentions comes with heavy caveats, with much of it predicated on fighting. Hardliners in Tehran have long argued that the country should be able to assemble a bomb at speed if necessary, regardless of past restrictions.
Infrastructure Damage and Underground Fortifications
Iran has not restarted enrichment or resumed weapons work since last year’s US airstrikes, which inflicted major damage on key nuclear facilities. Instead, according to defense officials, Tehran focuses on salvaging remaining assets, notably moving centrifuges used to enrich uranium into the heavily fortified underground complex known as Pickaxe Mountain.
This underground center is believed to lie beyond the reach of America’s most powerful bunker-busters. In response to potential threats, Tehran has poured extra ground forces around the site amid fears that the United States might attempt a sudden ground raid rather than relying solely on airstrikes.
These developments follow extensive military actions earlier in the year. In June, the US military hammered Iran’s Fordow nuclear plant with stealth bombers during an overnight mission. B-2 stealth bombers dropped massive bunker-busters on Fordo and Natanz, while Tomahawk missiles struck Isfahan. Officials revealed that approximately 75 precision-guided weapons were unleashed during the operation.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth noted of the June operation, according to official statements, that US bombers went in and out without detection. While those strikes inflicted major damage on Iran’s nuclear program, the ongoing shift in leadership brings renewed scrutiny from Washington regarding the future of Tehran’s military capabilities.
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