Iran’s top Revolutionary Guard commander, Ahmad Vahidi, declared on Wednesday, August 5th, 2026, that Tehran will continue developing nuclear weapons as long as the United States and Israel possess them. According to a translation of his remarks, Vahidi said, "As long as the United States and Israel possess nuclear weapons, we will continue working on them for our national security."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded by affirming Israel’s commitment to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, stating, "Well, as prime minister of Israel, I too am determined to continue — to continue preventing Iran from possessing nuclear weapons."

Netanyahu emphasized that Israel’s existence is not subject to negotiation and vowed to act with or without a diplomatic agreement to ensure security.

Meanwhile, nuclear experts have urged President Donald Trump to keep Iran’s nuclear program central in ongoing talks. They warned that Iran might seek sanctions relief before addressing its remaining nuclear capabilities, potentially weakening leverage for future concessions. One expert, Stricker, expressed concern that if Iran structures the negotiations to focus elsewhere and Trump appears to acquiesce, "there may be little left in terms of leverage to get big concessions from the Iranians on the nuclear file down the line."

Iranian President Pezeshkian also stated that Iran plans to rebuild nuclear facilities targeted by the United States and make them stronger in 2025.

The context includes a map showing damage to Iran's Fordow nuclear site following a U.S. strike during Operation Midnight Hammer on June 22, 2025.

This development intensifies concerns that Iran is using negotiations over the Strait of Hormuz to delay meaningful concessions on its nuclear program.

Sources