Son Worse than Father: Successor's Nuclear Ambitions Exposed

US intelligence agencies have assessed that Mojtaba Khamenei, the current Supreme Leader of Iran and son of the late former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei—who was killed in US and Israeli airstrikes—shows an even greater interest in developing nuclear weapons than his father, according to the New York Times.

While the elder Ali Khamenei hesitated in acquiring nuclear weapons manufacturing capabilities, his son Mojtaba Khamenei is different.

US intelligence based this assessment on intercepted conversations and public remarks prior to the war.

Citing officials briefed by US intelligence, the New York Times reported that US agencies believe Mojtaba Khamenei and his hardline government harbor ambitions to develop advanced nuclear weapons.

The newspaper also interpreted Mojtaba Khamenei's in-principle disagreement with the ceasefire memorandum of understanding agreed upon by the US and Iran last month as stemming from provisions stating that Iran would not pursue nuclear weapons.

Although Iran currently shows no signs of restarting its nuclear program, it has reportedly taken steps to protect its nuclear assets—such as moving centrifuges to underground facilities—through last year's December war and the recent conflict.

The New York Times noted that with the US having resumed military action targeting Iran, such intelligence assessments could serve as justification for escalating the intensity of strikes.

(Reported by Jeong Yu-mi | Video by Na Hong-hee | Graphics by Lee Jeong-ju | Produced by SBS Digital News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.