Iranian lawmakers warned that Tehran could enrich uranium to 90% purity [1] if the country is attacked again.
This potential shift to weapons-grade enrichment signals a significant escalation in nuclear posture amid ongoing tensions with the U.S. Such a move would move Iran closer to the technical capability of producing a nuclear weapon, fundamentally altering the security landscape of the Middle East.
Statements made within the Iranian parliament in Tehran indicated that this level of enrichment is a strategic option [1]. One lawmaker said that Iran could enrich uranium up to 90% purity if the country is attacked once more [2]. Another lawmaker said that enriching uranium to 90% is a level considered weapons-grade [3].
Ebrahim Rezaei, the parliamentary spokesman, addressed the possibility of these measures. "We will review it in the parliament," Rezaei said [1].
The warning comes as a response to the possibility of renewed military action against Iran. Tensions remain high as peace talks falter. In related coverage regarding the likelihood of a cease-fire, Donald Trump said there is a "one percent chance" [4].
Iran has historically maintained that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes. However, the threat to reach 90% purity marks a departure from previous diplomatic constraints. The Iranian parliament now views this as a viable deterrent against foreign military intervention [1].
“"Iran could enrich uranium up to 90% purity if the country is attacked once more,"”
The threat to reach 90% purity represents a critical threshold in nuclear proliferation. While Iran has previously enriched uranium to levels below weapons-grade, explicitly linking 90% purity to military retaliation suggests that Tehran is using its nuclear program as a direct deterrent against U.S. or allied strikes. This increases the risk of a preemptive military strike by adversaries seeking to prevent a nuclear-armed Iran.
