WASHINGTON (NewsNation) — With less than a month until Inauguration Day, the White House is discussing Iran’s potential nuclear advancements despite recent setbacks in its proxy wars with Israel under the incoming Trump administration.
U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan briefed President-elect Donald Trump, warning that Iran’s losses — including Hamas and Hezbollah defeats, recent Israeli strikes on Iranian military facilities, and the fall of Assad in Syria — could push Tehran toward nuclear weapon development.
White House warns about Pakistan’s threat
The White House is also concerned about Pakistan.
U.S. Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer called Pakistan an emerging global threat, citing that Islamabad is developing long-range ballistic missiles capable of reaching the United States.
Once a key ally in the fight against al-Qaeda, Pakistan has raised alarm in Washington due to its advancing nuclear weapons program and growing ties with China.
Iran nearing weapons-grade uranium: Watchdog
Trump has warned that the world could be moving closer to World War III, with some Republicans urging him to put more pressure on Iran, including potential military strikes.
The United Nation’s nuclear watchdog reports that Iran has enriched uranium to 60%, nearing the 90% required to produce a nuclear weapon.
U.S. intelligence estimates that further enrichment could provide Iran with enough material for about a dozen nuclear weapons.
While Trump withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal during his first term and imposed restrictions, Biden’s team suggests Iran’s weakened state offers Trump an opportunity to pursue diplomacy.
