POLITICS

Iran’s IRGC Chief Admits Nuclear Weapons Pursuit, Vows to Continue

▪

Read, Watch or Listen

Media Bias Meter

Sources: 25

Center 100%

Sources: 25

Commander-in-Chief of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Ahmad Vahidi has said Iran will continue working on nuclear weapons as long as the United States and Israel possess them, according to Israeli media reports on August 6, 2026. "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," Vahidi was quoted as saying. Israeli media described the remarks as a "direct admission" by an Iranian official of pursuing a nuclear bomb. The statement comes as US President Donald Trump claimed on Wednesday that "a lot of progress" had been made in negotiations with Iran and that the situation would become clearer within 48 hours. "We're moving along very nicely. We'll find out. We'll know in 48 hours, I would say," Trump told reporters as he departed Los Angeles for Las Vegas. Trump said Iranian officials had contacted the US expressing interest in talks, adding that Tehran would be "very smart" to reach a deal. Trump also reiterated that Iran would not be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon and linked the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to ongoing diplomatic efforts. During a Fox News interview, Trump said: "Iran, as an example, will never have a nuclear weapon. They already can't, but they'll--it's going to be formal. The strait's going to be open very soon, or they're going to get hit very hard, and then the strait's going to be open." His remarks came as the US, Iran, and Oman are reportedly close to finalising an interim agreement aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, following the collapse of a 14-point Memorandum of Understanding between Washington and Tehran last month, according to Axios, citing two regional sources and a US official. On Tuesday, Trump said the Strait of Hormuz would be opened "very soon" as part of a deal with Iran and Oman, while warning that the Islamic Republic would be "hit really hard" if it fails to reach an agreement amid talks over an interim arrangement to ease tensions in the region. Vahidi’s comments represent the clearest indication yet of Tehran's position on nuclear weapons, intensifying debate over the future of diplomacy, regional security and the ongoing standoff between Tehran and Washington. The developments come as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated that Washington's ultimate objective remains preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon while negotiations continue through Omani mediation.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.

Timeline of Events

· On February 28, 2026, US and Israel launched war against Iran.
· On February 28, 2026, Iran tightened control over Strait of Hormuz.
· On March 1, 2026, Ahmad Vahidi was appointed as new IRGC commander.
· On June 18, 2026, Iran and US signed a 14-point Memorandum of Understanding.
· On July 8, 2026, US carried out new attacks on Iran.
· On July 24, 2026, Iran targeted US military facilities in Arab countries.
· In July 2026, the 14-point MoU between Washington and Tehran collapsed.
· On August 4, 2026, Khamenei reportedly granted Vahidi final say on US policy.
· On August 5, 2026, Trump said a Hormuz deal could come as early as Wednesday.
· On August 5, 2026, Netanyahu responded to Vahidi's nuclear admission.
· On August 6, 2026, IRGC chief Vahidi admitted Iran is pursuing nuclear weapons.
· On August 6, 2026, Vahidi vowed to continue nuclear work as long as US and Israel possess them.
· On August 6, 2026, Israeli media reported Vahidi's statement as a "direct admission".
· On August 6, 2026, Trump said US-Iran talks are "moving along very nicely".
· On August 6, 2026, Trump said "We'll know in 48 hours" on Iran negotiations.
· On August 6, 2026, Iran said Hormuz agreement with Oman is in final stage.
· On August 6, 2026, Iran and Oman agreed on navigation route for Hormuz.
· On August 6, 2026, Iran said joint statement with Oman is being finalized.
· On August 6, 2026, Trump warned Iran will be "hit very hard" if Hormuz not reopened.
· On August 6, 2026, US, Iran and Oman reportedly close to interim Hormuz agreement
· Hormuz deal could be announced within 48 hours if negotiations succeed.
· US military action against Iran likely if diplomatic efforts fail.
· Iran's nuclear program could accelerate without a comprehensive agreement.
· Israel may take unilateral military action against Iran's nuclear facilities.
· Global oil markets face disruption if Strait of Hormuz remains closed.

News Intelligence

Immediate US impact: Threat of new war and global oil price spike.
Possible long-term US impact: Nuclear proliferation in Middle East destabilizes US allies.
Most affected: US military, global oil consumers, Israel, Gulf states, shipping industry.
What readers should prioritise: Verify Trump's 48-hour deadline and Hormuz deal status.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 25
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 25

Explain Framing

Left: Emphasizes Trump's reckless threats and diplomatic failures with Iran. Center: Reports Vahidi's nuclear admission and Trump's 48-hour deadline with verification. Right: Highlights Iran's nuclear threat and justifies strong US military response options. Publication Decision: Ready for publication