Iranian parliamentary spokesman Ebrahim Rezaei said the United States interests are at risk and that the "clock is ticking" [1].
This escalation signals a potential shift in Iran's nuclear strategy and security posture. The warnings come during a period of rising geopolitical tension around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping lane.
Rezaei issued the statements on May 10, 2024, as a protest against U.S. policy and sanctions [1]. He said that the measures are intended to deter further attacks on Iranian territory. The spokesman linked the level of nuclear activity directly to external aggression [2].
Specifically, Rezaei said that Iran could enrich uranium to 90% purity [2] if the country is attacked again. This level of enrichment is widely considered weapons-grade, marking a significant departure from previous diplomatic benchmarks regarding the Iranian nuclear program.
"The clock is ticking for US interests," Rezaei said [1].
He said, "Iran could enrich uranium to 90% purity if the country is attacked again" [2].
The warnings coincide with increased military and political friction in the region. Iran has historically used its nuclear program as a lever in negotiations with the U.S. and other global powers, a strategy that appears to be intensifying in response to current sanctions.
“"The clock is ticking for US interests."”
The threat to reach 90% uranium purity represents a critical threshold in nuclear non-proliferation. By explicitly tying weapons-grade enrichment to the occurrence of future attacks, Iran is establishing a deterrent framework that leverages its nuclear capabilities to discourage U.S. military intervention or further economic pressure.
