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Trump: Hormuz Deal Imminent Wednesday as Pump Prices Surge
Iran’s Nuclear Stance: Top Commander Says Tehran Will Keep Pursuing Weapons as Long as US and Israel Have Them
What Happened?
Important Point: Iran’s top military commander made a very clear statement about nuclear weapons, and Israel’s leader responded with an equally strong promise to stop Iran from getting them.
On Wednesday, August 5, 2026, Ahmad Vahidi — the commander-in-chief of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) — declared that Iran will continue working on nuclear weapons for as long as the United States and Israel possess them.
His exact words (translated):
"As long as the United States and Israel possess nuclear weapons, we will continue working on them for our national security. If they disarm, we will disarm."
Who Are the Key Players?
- Ahmad Vahidi – Commander-in-chief of Iran’s IRGC (a powerful military branch separate from the regular army).
- Benjamin Netanyahu – Prime Minister of Israel.
- Donald Trump – President of the United States (at the time of this report).
- Nuclear experts – Specialists warning about Iran’s strategy in ongoing talks.
Iran’s Argument: “We’re Just Matching Them”
Vahidi framed Iran’s nuclear ambitions as defensive, not aggressive. He said:
- Iran feels threatened by US and Israeli nuclear arsenals.
- Iran will only stop if both the US and Israel give up their nuclear weapons.
- This is presented as a matter of national security.
Callout: This marks a rare explicit admission by a top Iranian official that Iran is actively pursuing nuclear weapons — not just civilian nuclear energy.
Israel’s Response: “We Will Stop You, Deal or No Deal”
Prime Minister Netanyahu reacted immediately and firmly:
- Quoted Vahidi directly — noting he used the word “continue” developing nuclear weapons.
- Declared Israel’s commitment:
"As prime minister of Israel, I too am determined to continue — to continue preventing Iran from possessing nuclear weapons."
- Said Israel will act with or without a diplomatic agreement.
- Praised President Trump as Israel’s “greatest friend in the White House.”
- Emphasized:
"Israel’s existence is not subject to negotiation."
The Bigger Picture: Talks Over the Strait of Hormuz
This exchange happened during negotiations involving the Strait of Hormuz — a critical oil shipping route.
What Experts Are Warning:
Nuclear specialists are urging President Trump not to let Iran shift the focus away from its nuclear program. They fear Iran might:
- Use the Hormuz crisis as leverage to get sanctions relief.
- Secure concessions before addressing its nuclear capabilities.
- Delay real progress on denuclearization.
Callout: The concern is that Iran is buying time — using one crisis to distract from the bigger threat: its nuclear weapons progress.
Why This Matters (In Simple Terms)
| Issue | Why It’s Important |
|---|---|
| Nuclear weapons in the Middle East | Could trigger a regional arms race. |
| Iran’s explicit statement | Removes ambiguity — they admit they’re building bombs. |
| Israel’s “red line” | Israel has bombed nuclear sites before (e.g., Iraq 1981, Syria 2007). |
| US involvement | Trump’s policy affects whether diplomacy or pressure wins. |
| Global oil supply | Hormuz tensions can spike gas prices worldwide. |
Summary
- Iran’s top general admitted openly that Iran is pursuing nuclear weapons.
- He said they’ll only stop if the US and Israel disarm first.
- Israel’s PM vowed to prevent Iran from getting the bomb — no matter what.
- Experts warn Iran may be using other crises (like Hormuz) to avoid nuclear talks.
- The situation is high-stakes, with risks of conflict, escalation, or a failed diplomatic path.
FAQ
What is the IRGC?
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is a branch of Iran’s military, separate from the regular army. It answers directly to Iran’s Supreme Leader and controls much of Iran’s missile program, foreign operations, and nuclear activities.
Does Israel have nuclear weapons?
Israel has never officially confirmed it has nuclear weapons, but it is widely believed to possess them (estimated 80–90 warheads). This is called a policy of "nuclear ambiguity."
Why does Iran want nuclear weapons?
Iran says it’s for deterrence — to prevent attack by the US or Israel. Critics say it’s for regional dominance and to threaten neighbors.
What is the Strait of Hormuz?
A narrow waterway between Iran and Oman. About 20% of the world’s oil passes through it. Any conflict there can disrupt global energy markets.
Can diplomacy still work?
It’s possible but difficult. Iran wants sanctions lifted first. Israel and the US want Iran to stop enriching uranium and allow inspections first. Trust is very low on all sides.
