Iranian official: If threatened, we will use nuclear weapons

We oppose obtaining nuclear weapons and we will peacefully use nuclear technology under the framework of the Nonproliferation Treaty, but if we are threatened, the situation may change.”
Ali Larijani
Iran's Chief Nuclear Envoy

This kind of language is a surprise only to the moderately naïve. The extremely naïve will of course continue to dismiss this kind of rhetoric as mere “blustering,” not to be taken seriously. But however you slice it, this does mark the first time that an Iranian offcial proclaims what we already know; Iran's nuclear intentions are not "peaceful" and never have been. Ali Larijani did not spell out what Iran means by "threatened," which of course could mean anything.