Rouhani Describes New U.S. Nuclear Strategy as a Threat to Russia

Hassan Rouhani, the President of Iran, accused the United States of threatening Russia with new nuclear weapons in a 'brazen language.' His criticism came after Washington announced a new nuclear strategy under the Trump administration, primarily aimed at countering Russia's actions in recent years, which involves revising the U.S. nuclear arsenal and developing new low-yield nuclear weapons. This new strategy, published on Friday, February 1, outlines the nuclear objectives of the U.S. Department of Defense during Donald Trump's presidency and is the first report since 2010 that predicts U.S. military assessments of nuclear threats in the coming decades. The report emphasizes that Russia must be convinced that if it threatens Europe with even limited nuclear attacks, it will face unbearable costs. The 75-page report, prepared by U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis, states that 'this report is a response to the expansion of Russia's capabilities and the nature of its strategies and doctrines.' The new strategy also highlights U.S. concerns regarding Iran, North Korea, and China. Meanwhile, the Russian Foreign Ministry described the new strategy announced by the Trump administration regarding the U.S. nuclear arsenal as 'confrontational' and 'anti-Russian,' stating that the strategy is 'disappointing' and reveals a 'confrontational' and 'anti-Russian' approach at first glance. According to the state news agency IRNA, Hassan Rouhani, in a speech on Sunday, February 3, criticized the U.S., saying that 'against those who believe that weapons of mass destruction are used against humanity and should be eliminated, the discussion of building new weapons for use against rivals is raised, and in this situation, a population or nation can say it is a time of peace and we do not want defensive power.' He added, 'We always need defensive power, and as long as there are threats against us in the world, we must strengthen our defensive power by standing against any threat, and we must either build our weapons ourselves or buy them and we must be strong.' The Iranian President also stated, 'Of course, we will discuss and if an official comes and asks questions, we will respond decisively, and this is clear, but whatever we need for the defense of the country, any type of weapon and power, we will procure within the framework of the regulations and fatwas of the Supreme Leader.' Previously, Mohammad Javad Zarif, Iran's Foreign Minister, warned in a tweet that the strategy announced by Washington 'brings humanity closer to destruction.' Mr. Zarif pointed out that 'the document reviewing the nuclear status of the United States reflects a greater reliance on nuclear weapons, which is a violation of the Non-Proliferation Treaty.' He also criticized Trump's 'stubbornness' in 'destroying the JCPOA.' Iran and six world powers; the U.S., the U.K., France, China, and Russia along with Germany reached an agreement in 2015 to limit Iran's nuclear program. Donald Trump has been a critic of the nuclear agreement with Iran, known as the JCPOA, and has repeatedly described it as 'the worst' agreement in U.S. history. On January 12, the U.S. President extended the suspension of nuclear sanctions against Iran 'for the last time' and urged Washington's European partners to address the 'flaws' in the JCPOA. Meanwhile, Mr. Trump claims that the Islamic Republic, by continuing its missile activities, is not faithful to the 'spirit of the JCPOA,' the nuclear agreement with the 5+1 group. In this context, Washington has recently taken extensive measures to encourage the international community to confront what it calls the Islamic Republic's 'destabilizing actions' in the Middle East, its ballistic missile program, or support for militia groups. In contrast, Iranian officials have not welcomed any efforts to 'reform' the JCPOA. Tehran claims that its missile activities are defensive and that these missiles are not designed to carry nuclear warheads.