Iran Nuclear Weapons :
House Intelligence Committee Chairman Rep. Mike Turner stated on Sunday that Iran might declare itself a nuclear weapons state “by the end of the year.” He attributed this potential escalation, which the U.S. has long worked to prevent, to the policies of the Biden administration.
Given the current trajectory of this administration’s policies, there’s a growing possibility that Iran could announce itself as a nuclear weapons state by the end of this year. Recent news reports have suggested that this scenario is increasingly likely,” Turner mentioned on Sunday during an appearance on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan.
Brennan questioned whether Iran’s “Supreme Leader has altered his stance” on the nation’s nuclear ambitions.
Turner responded, “Given the progress made under the Biden administration’s policies, there is a possibility—according to some reports—that Iran could potentially announce itself as a nuclear-armed state by the end of the year. This situation would not have arisen otherwise.”
But that conclusion hasn’t been made, has it?” Brennan asked.
“No,” Turner answered.
Turner, a Republican from Ohio, defended former President Donald Trump’s recent statements, where Trump expressed a willingness to maintain a cordial relationship with Iran, stating, ‘I’m not looking to be hostile toward Iran.’ Trump emphasized that while the U.S. intends to be amicable, it is crucial to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. He remarked, ‘We were fully prepared to ensure they don’t get a nuclear weapon, because if they do, the global situation changes drastically.
The previous administration withdrew the United States from the Iran nuclear agreement established during the Obama presidency in 2018, contending that the accord, which involved multiple nations aiming to limit Iran’s nuclear advancements, enabled Iran to accumulate nuclear weapons. During his initial two years in office, President Biden attempted to restore elements of this agreement but faced challenges and ultimately did not succeed.
Turner characterized Trump as being “against Iran,” asserting that recognizing the capabilities of one’s opponents does not equate to a lack of strength. He further stated that “Donald Trump’s administration implemented the most intense pressure campaign on Iran, subjecting them to unprecedented economic and military strain.
They were in a precarious position,” Turner remarked about Iran. “Given the current administration’s actions, it’s possible they could announce themselves as a nuclear weapons state by year’s end.” He noted that such a scenario wouldn’t have unfolded during the Trump administration’s “maximum pressure campaign,” arguing that the “latitude and opportunity afforded to them under Biden’s leadership have empowered them to not only attempt to influence our elections and engage in plots against Donald Trump but also to advance their nuclear weapons capabilities and enrichment efforts.
Authorities have been investigating whether Iranian cyber operatives targeted members of the Trump and Biden-Harris campaigns, according to CBS News. This inquiry follows the Trump campaign’s announcement of a hacking incident earlier this month, which they believe might involve Iranian entities. Additionally, U.S. intelligence uncovered a plot linked to Iran earlier this year, aimed at Trump. Turner criticized the Biden administration, stating that ‘there has been no accountability for Iran regarding these hacking incidents, misinformation efforts, and the alleged assassination attempt on Donald Trump.’ He further noted, ‘The lack of a strong response has failed to deter Iran, encouraging them to increase their interference in our electoral processes and putting individuals in our country at greater risk.
