Pentagon: Iran’s nuclear weapon ambitions remain despite Midnight Hammer airstrikes

Iranian leaders not only “intend” to rebuild their conventional military forces, but they are open to “the possibility” of trying to obtain a nuclear weapon, according to the Pentagon’s newly released National Defense Strategy.

The Pentagon’s assessment of the Iranian regime comes more than six months after the U.S. military carried out Operation Midnight Hammer, targeting three of the country’s nuclear facilities. It also comes as the United States increases its presence in the region as Iran cracks down on nationwide protests.

“Although Iran has suffered severe setbacks over recent months, it appears intent on reconstituting its conventional military forces. Iran’s leaders have also left open the possibility that they will try again to obtain a nuclear weapon, including by refusing to engage in meaningful negotiations,”