Threat from a Senior IRGC Commander: Revising Iran's Nuclear Policy is 'Probable and Conceivable'

As the likelihood of Israel responding to Iran's missile and drone attacks increases, Ahmad Haq Talab, commander of the IRGC's Protection and Security of Nuclear Facilities, warned on Thursday, April 30, that a 'revision' of the Islamic Republic's nuclear policy is 'probable and conceivable.' According to this senior IRGC commander, if Israel 'wants to use the threat of attacking nuclear facilities to pressure Iran instrumentally, a revision of the Islamic Republic of Iran's nuclear doctrine and policies, and a departure from previously stated considerations, is probable and conceivable.' This military official of the Islamic Republic threatened that Iran has identified Israel's nuclear facilities and is ready to launch missiles at them, contrary to international protocols and standards and the regulations of the International Atomic Energy Agency. Meanwhile, Reuters reported that the Iranian Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to the news agency's request for comment on the IRGC commander's statements. Additionally, see: UN Secretary-General at the extraordinary Security Council meeting: Now is the time for maximum restraint and de-escalation. Reuters noted that Ali Khamenei, the leader of the Islamic Republic, has the final say regarding Tehran's nuclear program, which the West suspects has military objectives. The Islamic Republic, which initially concealed its nuclear activities from the international community, later claimed to pursue a 'peaceful' nuclear program after making its activities public. Alongside the expansion of the Iranian government's nuclear program and increasing international concerns, officials from this government have repeatedly referred to Ali Khamenei's fatwa, which states that the production and use of weapons of mass destruction is 'haram' (forbidden), claiming that the entire nuclear program of the Islamic Republic is for 'peaceful' uses and purposes. The nuclear and missile programs of the Islamic Republic, which have cost the Iranian people tens of billions of dollars, have led to widespread sanctions against Iran and placed its economy on the brink of collapse. Previously, Rafael Grossi, the Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, stated about three weeks ago that the Islamic Republic is increasing its nuclear capabilities and that, despite the Agency actively inspecting sites in Iran, these inspections are insufficient. He emphasized in an interview with PBS that the Islamic Republic's tendency is towards maximum enrichment. Prior to that, the United States had warned Tehran on March 8 of last year that the continuation of 'obstruction' in cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency would pave the way for further actions by the Board of Governors of this global body, including the possibility of issuing more resolutions against the Islamic Republic. Meanwhile, the website 'Times of Israel' noted on Thursday that Israel has always accused the Islamic Republic of attempting to acquire a nuclear bomb, stating that it will not allow this to happen. Following the missile and drone attacks by the Iranian government on Israel last Saturday night, speculations have arisen about the possibility of targeting the Islamic Republic's nuclear facilities in potential retaliatory attacks by Israel. The emergence of these speculations comes at a time when senior Israeli officials have emphasized their country's right to retaliate against the extensive attacks by the Islamic Republic but have not indicated how and when Israel will respond. The firm condemnation of the Islamic Republic at the United Nations coincided with Amir-Abdollahian's arrival in New York; the actions of the Iranian government threaten global peace and security. The consequences of the attack on Israel; Europeans are considering increasing sanctions against the Islamic Republic. The U.S.: The potential retaliatory attack by Israel and its consequences are a concern. The U.S.: The decision on how to respond to the Islamic Republic's attacks rests with Israel. Israel welcomes the EU's action to impose more sanctions against the IRGC and the Islamic Republic. Gallant: The Islamic Republic's attack failed; the skies of the Middle East are open to the Israeli Air Force. An Israeli media outlet: Israel will respond 'clearly and forcefully' to the Iranian government's attack; NBC: Israel's response may be 'imminent.'