A growing internal dispute over Iran’s nuclear program has erupted into a political battle after senior figures close to President Masoud Pezeshkian questioned whether uranium enrichment is worth the enormous economic and security costs facing the country.

The controversy began after Vice President Jafar Ghaempanah argued that Tehran should weigh the costs of its nuclear program against the security threats it creates. The debate intensified when Yousef Pezeshkian, the president’s son and adviser, publicly defended the position.

Pezeshkian argued that uranium enrichment is neither a religious principle nor essential to Iran’s survival, saying enrichment, missiles and drones should be pursued only when they genuinely serve the country’s national interests.

His comments triggered fierce criticism from Iran’s conservative and hardline camp. The influential Kayhan newspaper described the position as subversive and resembling “complete surrender,” while figures linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps rejected claims that the nuclear program is responsible for the pressure facing Iran.

Reformist figures, meanwhile, backed the push for a more pragmatic approach, arguing that Iran should prioritize the interests of its citizens and consider the mounting economic costs of confrontation rather than allowing ideology to dictate policy.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)