Former Iranian diplomat Ambassador Mohammad-Hassan Ghadiri-Abyaneh said in an interview that was published by On-news.ir (Iran) on July 20, 2025 that he believes Iran should obtain nuclear weapons as a deterrent and as part of its policy to "not show weakness." He said that it is up to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei to make the decision, but that having nuclear weapons has worked as a deterrent for North Korea. He also said that the U.S. and Israel have repeatedly threatened Iran with nuclear weapons and Iran needs to "be able to strike back."

Interviewer: "Are you suggesting that we obtain nuclear weapons as a continuation of the policy that we must not show weakness? Is this what you are proposing?"

Mohammad-Hassan Ghadiri-Abyaneh: "I personally believe that we should, but this is not up to me. It is up to the Leader to decide."