Archive · 28 Aug 2026
Iran Vice President Says Enrichment Could Have Been Halted
Iranian Vice President Jafar Ghaempanah discussed the possible costs of Iran’s nuclear program.
He said he would have stopped uranium enrichment if he had known the United States would kill Iran’s leader, Ali Khamenei.
This was a hypothetical statement, not a report that such a decision was made.
Ghaempanah also questioned why roads, factories, refineries, and power systems should be attacked.
He said damage to power and oil facilities could cause more unemployment.
He argued that Iran should not pay a very high price for goals that might be reached more cheaply.
He described the death of the Supreme Leader as the highest possible cost.
His comments were carried by Iranian state media.
Iranian Vice President Jafar Ghaempanah said he would have halted uranium enrichment if he had known the United States would kill Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Ghaempanah made the comments while discussing the potential costs of Iran’s nuclear program and other national objectives.
He questioned why Iranian industries, roads, refineries, and electricity infrastructure should be targeted during a conflict.
Ghaempanah warned that attacks on refineries and electricity infrastructure could increase unemployment.
He said Iran should avoid paying excessive costs for objectives that could be achieved at a lower price.
- Who
- Iranian Vice President Jafar Ghaempanah, President Masoud Pezeshkian’s executive vice president.
- What
- He said he would have halted uranium enrichment if he had known the United States would kill Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, and criticized attacks on Iranian infrastructure.
- When
- The article does not specify when the remarks were made.
- Where
- The remarks were carried by Iranian state media; no specific location was provided.
- Why
- He was discussing the costs Iran could face in pursuing its nuclear program and other objectives.
- Speaker
- Jafar Ghaempanah, Iran’s executive vice president
- Iranian president
- Masoud Pezeshkian
- Policy discussed
- Uranium enrichment
- Hypothetical condition
- Ghaempanah said he would have halted enrichment if he had known the United States would kill Ali Khamenei.
- Infrastructure concerns
- He mentioned Iranian industries, roads, refineries, and electricity infrastructure.
- Potential consequence
- He said attacks on electricity infrastructure and refineries could increase unemployment.