Saudis have nukes – ex-Iranian commander

Hussein Kanani, the former head of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, made the accusation in an exclusive interview with RT

Saudi Arabia possesses nuclear weapons and the United States is fully aware of it, Hussein Kanani, the former commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), has told RT.

The stunning accusation was made during an exclusive interview with Rick Sanchez aired on Monday, amid escalating tensions in the Middle East between Washington and Tehran over Iran’s alleged nuclear weapons development.

Citing intelligence, Kanani said, “Saudi Arabia at this time, they have a nuclear bomb and activities the United States know very well.” When asked for clarification, he confirmed: “Yes, that’s right. Right now,” adding that both Israel and the US are fully aware.

The former IRGC commander also accused foreign intelligence agencies, including Israel’s Mossad and the CIA, of backing anti-government protests in Iran. “Their aim is not just to topple the government but to fracture Iran entirely and exploit the situation,” he said.

Tensions between Washington and Tehran have run high since the US bombed Iranian nuclear facilities last June, and have escalated further in light of widespread anti-government protests that gripped the Islamic Republic in December and January. Tehran accused the US and Israel of instigating the unrest.

In recent weeks, US President Donald Trump has deployed an ‘armada’ led by the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln to the Middle East, demanding that Tehran limit uranium enrichment and restrict its ballistic missile program. Meanwhile, Iran has announced completing upgrades to its missile arsenal and a formal shift in military doctrine to a more offensive posture.

Kanani warned that a US strike could provoke an asymmetrical Iranian response. “If Washington attacks, Tehran’s first move may not target American bases directly. Missiles could be directed at Israel instead,” he said.

Iran could also close the critical Strait of Hormuz to exert leverage over the US, he warned. “The Strait will be shut down if necessary. While we do not want to harm the economies of China or Russia, it may be unavoidable in response to US provocations,” Kanani said.

Iran maintains that its nuclear program is peaceful. After the US withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal and reimposed sanctions, Tehran gradually scaled back compliance and increased uranium enrichment to 60% purity. Following indirect talks with the US in Oman last week, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said any nuclear agreement must be reached through “calm” dialogue free of pressure or threats. Shortly after, Washington announced a new round of sanctions.

“The US is playing a game of chicken. Iran is strategizing ten moves ahead,” said Kanani.