![Iran's Atomic Energy Organization spokesman Behrouz Kamalvandi is seen during an official ceremony to kick-start works for a second nuclear reactor at Bushehr power plant, on 10 November 2019. [ATTA KENARE/AFP via Getty Images]](https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/GettyImages-1181342202.jpg?fit=1190%2C800&ssl=1)
A spokesman for the Iranian Atomic Energy Agency has claimed that Iran has enough capabilities and that it does not need nuclear weapons. Behrouz Kamalvandi said on Wednesday that nuclear weapons have no benefit or deterrent against wars in today’s world.
Kamalvandi pointed out that two issues should be considered regarding the use of nuclear weapons: the religious and ideological point of view, which is established in the Iranian Supreme Leader’s fatwa (legal opinion), and the official positions announced by official national bodies around the world.
The Iranian official said that Israel is unlikely to launch a nuclear attack. “If such folly were to happen, it is very unlikely that they would cause serious damage to Iran. Even if damage occurs, the country can compensate for it quickly because knowledge resides in the minds of our specialists and scientists. We are proficient in technology; plans are available and exist on paper; they only need to be executed. Hence, these threats are not serious or concerning to us, but we have always been vigilant and will continue to be.”
Tehran has always stressed that Iran’s nuclear programme is not based on producing or using nuclear weapons, and that it is for “peaceful civilian purposes” only.
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