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Iran could seek nuclear weapon if cornered, threatens intelligence minister

The rare statement from Intelligence Minister Mahmoud Alavi comes as the US administration vows to lift sanctions only if Iran resumes full compliance with the nuclear deal.
A picture taken on March 12, 2019 shows Iranian Minister of Intelligence Seyyed Mahmoud Alavi (C-R) attending a session of Iran's Assembly of Experts in the capital Tehran. (Photo by ATTA KENARE / AFP)        (Photo credit should read ATTA KENARE/AFP via Getty Images)

Iran's intelligence minister suggested on Tuesday that Iran would consider developing a nuclear weapon if crippling economic sanctions on his country aren’t lifted. 

Such a statement is unusual for a senior Iranian official. The country’s leaders maintain that their nuclear program is used only for peaceful civilian purposes and often cite Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s apparent religious ruling banning the production of nuclear weapons. 

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