WASHINGTON – The Biden administration has expressed concerns that a weakened Iran may pursue nuclear weapons, with White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan warning of the risk during a briefing on Dec 22. Sullivan, addressing President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team, outlined the potential for Iran to revise its nuclear doctrine following setbacks to its regional power.
“Iran might decide, ‘Hey, maybe we need to go for a nuclear weapon right now… Maybe we have to revisit our nuclear doctrine,’” Sullivan stated, adding that Tehran’s conventional military capabilities have been significantly diminished.
Iran’s Regional Setbacks
Israel’s recent offensives against Iran-aligned groups, including Palestinian Hamas and Lebanon’s Hezbollah, as well as the downfall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, have undermined Iran’s influence. Targeted Israeli strikes on Iranian missile factories, air defenses, and other strategic facilities have further weakened Tehran’s regional position, according to Sullivan.
Despite Iran’s long-standing assertion that its nuclear program is peaceful, its advancements in uranium enrichment have raised alarm, particularly after Trump withdrew the U.S. from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal during his previous presidency. Sullivan noted a growing risk that Iran could abandon its pledge to refrain from developing nuclear weapons.
Trump’s Options on Iran Policy
Sullivan emphasized the importance of vigilance, confirming ongoing consultations with Israel on the matter. He suggested that President-elect Trump, who takes office on Jan 20, could leverage Iran’s current vulnerabilities to negotiate a lasting nuclear agreement.
“Maybe he can come around this time, with the situation Iran finds itself in, and actually deliver a nuclear deal that curbs Iran’s nuclear ambitions for the long term,” Sullivan remarked.
Alternatively, Trump may opt to reinstate his previous hardline approach, including heightened sanctions on Iran’s oil industry, which could further strain the nation’s economy and its nuclear program.
The unfolding situation presents a critical opportunity for the U.S. to address Iran’s nuclear ambitions while navigating a complex landscape of regional instability and global security concerns.