Claims by Karimi Qodosi about Nuclear Fuel Production: We Are 'Half a Day' Away from Producing 90% Uranium

A member of the National Security Commission of the Islamic Consultative Assembly stated that the Islamic Republic needs 'half a day' to reach 'the production of the main fuel for a nuclear warhead,' threatening that during this time, the Iranian government could increase 'the uranium feed from 60% to 90%.' Jawad Karimi Qodosi, a figure close to Ali Khamenei, who some observers refer to as 'the unofficial spokesperson of the Supreme Leader's office,' emphasized in a video published on the social media platform 'X' on Tuesday, April 23, that although the Supreme Leader's fatwas still deem 'nuclear weapons production unacceptable,' it could become possible if he decides so. He quoted 'experts' saying, 'We need half a day to increase the uranium feed from 60% to 90%.' The statements from the National Security Commission member have sparked reactions and criticisms. For instance, the newspaper 'Iran,' the organ of the Islamic Republic government, pointed out the efforts of Israel, the U.S., and Western countries to 'accuse Iran,' questioning what prompts a member of the National Security Commission, who 'should be pursuing national interests,' to make irresponsible statements that could incur costs for the country. 'Iran' labeled Karimi Qodosi's remarks as 'claims' that 'bring nothing but harm.' The newspaper 'Arman-e Melli' also wrote on Wednesday, April 24, that 'his statements, according to experts, pour gasoline on the fire of Iranophobia, and it remains unclear whether he will face any complaints.' Ali Qoleki, a former parliament member, also wrote on social media 'X' that 'intercontinental missiles with a range of 12,000 kilometers are only for carrying nuclear warheads; whether we have the knowledge to build them or not aside, all your recent positions will be attached to the IAEA's report against the country.' In previous days, Karimi Qodosi had stated that 'if permission is issued, we are one week away from conducting the first test to enhance missile range to 12,000 kilometers.' In the video published by this parliament member on Tuesday, an image of Qassem Soleimani, the slain commander of the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, is seen behind him. He explained his previous remarks about nuclear weapons production as a response to speculations suggesting that Israel might attack Iran's nuclear sites, Natanz and Fordow, in retaliation for Iran's attacks on Israel. According to Karimi Qodosi, the 'commander of the protection of nuclear sites' took a stance against these speculations, stating that 'an attack on nuclear sites means crossing the red lines of the Islamic Republic in nuclear weapons production and hinted that the fatwa could change.' Previously, Reuters reported on possible reactions from the Islamic Republic to 'retaliate against Israel,' stating that the Iranian government could respond by accelerating its nuclear program. This member of parliament criticized 'some' who say that discussing nuclear weapons production 'might disrupt nuclear negotiations,' asserting that 'no, this accelerates the Europeans to gather themselves sooner and not delay the continuation of sanctions against the Islamic Republic, and they should come to the negotiating table and surrender.' Previously, the U.S. State Department's deputy spokesperson commented on rumors regarding the resumption of negotiations to revive the JCPOA, stating, 'We are not negotiating directly with Iran regarding the JCPOA, either in New York or anywhere else.' Karimi Qodosi added, 'Otherwise, the Supreme Leader's fatwas still deem nuclear weapons production unacceptable, but if he decides at some point, he has previously stated that at any level we are threatened, we will respond at the same level of their threat, and if they resort to nuclear threats, we will respond with nuclear threats.' In recent years, Iranian officials have repeatedly emphasized, citing Ali Khamenei's statements, that they are not seeking to build nuclear weapons, but in recent months, Iranian officials have increasingly been questioned about the timeline for nuclear weapons production in various television programs. Previously, the United States and several other countries have repeatedly accused the Islamic Republic of seeking to build nuclear weapons. In this context, Shakriya Baradost, an international security expert, stated that with the revelation of the weakness of Iran's missile capabilities, 'they will certainly turn to the nuclear bomb.'