Iran MP urges shift in defense doctrine, calls for nuclear 'deterrent'

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen
Today 02:08

Iranian MP Ahmad Naderi says recent aggression requires a change in Tehran’s defence doctrine, telling Al Mayadeen that a nuclear deterrent is being discussed by parliamentarians.

Listen

A general view shows the Iranian parliament during the debate in Tehran, Iran, on August 21, 2024. (AP)

An Iranian parliamentarian told Al Mayadeen on Monday that the fallout from the recent Israeli attack has prompted calls inside Tehran to rethink the country’s defensive posture. Ahmad Naderi, a member of the Presiding Committee of the Iranian Parliament, said the number of signatories to a parliamentary letter urging a review of Iran’s defence doctrine rose to 71 — and that the total could climb to as much as half the legislature.

Naderi said he himself has signed the appeal, which was addressed to the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) and the heads of the three state branches. Lawmakers behind the initiative, he added, want a comprehensive review of deterrence policy — including re-examining constraints long accepted under diplomatic tracks.

Nuclear deterrent is not a call for escalation

Speaking to Al Mayadeen, Naderi argued that a credible nuclear capability would serve as a deterrent in the face of an “existential threat” from "Israel" and the United States. He said that a large segment of Iranian public opinion now supports pursuing a defensive nuclear option, and that changes in circumstances could lead religious rulings (fatwas) and policy to evolve.

At the same time, Naderi insisted Tehran does not seek an escalation. He warned that any shift would be driven by necessity after repeated attacks, and stressed that the move as one of last-resort deterrence.

“We do not seek escalation — but our equations will change if existential threats persist,” he told Al Mayadeen.

Diplomatic consultations and domestic momentum

Naderi said the parliamentary push rests on ongoing consultations with state officials and public sentiment. He emphasised that any change would be coordinated with Iran’s decision-makers.

“This is a diplomatic and parliamentary interaction — lawmakers are responding to the people’s view and consulting with the leadership,” he explained.

He also pointed to double standards and the role of external pressure in shaping Tehran’s posture. According to Naderi, Iran accepted previous limits on its programme in good faith during negotiations, only to be struck amid geopolitical manoeuvres — a sequence he said has hardened views inside parliament.

Tehran signals preparedness while urging restraint

The MP underlined Tehran’s readiness to defend itself, claiming Iran possesses “tools that may not occur to the United States and Israel,” while reiterating that the preferred path remains diplomacy unless forced otherwise.

He warned that the region must not be allowed to drift into strategic imbalance through coercive measures.