An Iranian lawmaker has called for the country to develop and test an atomic bomb, arguing it would provide security similar to North Korea.

Ahmad Naderi, a representative for Tehran, made the statement on X, advocating for a stronger nuclear stance in response to U.S. pressure. “If we were also armed with an atomic bomb, Trump would not dare threaten bombing,” he wrote.

Newsweek has reached out to the State Department and Iran’s foreign ministry for comment.

Why It Matters

Tensions between the U.S. and Iran have been escalating since President Donald Trump withdrew from the 2015 international nuclear deal, deepening an ongoing standoff. His renewed threats of military action, coupled with reimposed “maximum pressure” sanctions, have fueled Iran’s push to expand its nuclear program. While the U.S. seeks to negotiate a new agreement, Iran remains resistant to direct talks, viewing them as compromised by Trump’s strategy, but is open to indirect negotiations.

What to Know

Naderi claimed North Korea’s nuclear capabilities have safeguarded its security and suggested Iran should follow suit. “Observing the behavior and words of Trump during his first presidential term with North Korea shows that having an atomic bomb has brought security for Korea,” he wrote.

Push for Nuclear Testing Grows

Naderi also asserted that many other senior officials have long called for testing and developing a nuclear bomb.

On Monday, Ali Larijani, a veteran nuclear negotiator and advisor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, warned that U.S. threats could drive Iran toward nuclear weapons, with growing public pressure for such a move.

Trump’s Threat

Naderi’s comments come amid growing tensions, with President Trump warning of military action if Iran does not agree to a new nuclear deal.

“If they don’t make a deal, there will be bombing — and it will be bombing the likes of which they have never seen before.” Trump told NBC

What People Are Saying

Ahmad Naderi, Iranian lawmaker wrote on X: “Observing the behavior and words of Trump during his first presidential term with North Korea shows that having an atomic bomb has brought security for Korea. If we were also armed with an atomic bomb, Trump would not dare threaten bombing.”

Negar Mortazavi, Senior Fellow at the Center for International Policy and host of The Iran Podcast told Newsweek: “Iran’s official nuclear policy has not changed and the nuclear program has remained civilian. But in the face of pressure and increased military threats, some officials are floating the idea of nuclear weapons as a response. This is in rhetoric and posturing to show that Iran still has cards, while its enemies are saying they are at their weakest.”

What Happens Next?

With diplomacy stalled, the debate over Iran’s nuclear policy is likely to intensify, especially as U.S. pressure mounts and regional tensions escalate. As hardliners push for a more aggressive stance, Iran’s next moves could have significant implications for global security and non-proliferation efforts.