US Intel: Mojtaba Khamenei Open to Nukes
Analysis based on 7 articles · First reported Jul 24, 2026 · Last updated Jul 25, 2026
Heightened geopolitical risk in the Middle East could disrupt oil supplies and increase defense spending. The potential for Iran to pursue nuclear weapons may lead to further sanctions and military escalation, impacting global energy markets and investor sentiment.
US intelligence agencies assess that Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is 'far more' inclined to seek nuclear weapons than his predecessor and father, Ali Khamenei, according to a New York Times report. The assessment, based on pre-war intercepted communications, indicates that internal Iranian factions advocating for a nuclear deterrent have gained traction. Separately, Israeli intelligence reports that Iran has moved thousands of centrifuges to a fortified underground facility near Iran — Natanz known as Pickaxe Mountain, which is resistant to aerial strikes. Iran has denied IAEA inspectors access to the site. The developments come amid renewed US-Iran hostilities after the collapse of a June memorandum of understanding. Iran has enriched uranium to 60% purity, near weapons-grade, and possesses over 440 kg, enough for multiple warheads. The US has intensified airstrikes, while Iran has launched retaliatory missile and drone attacks on US bases. President Trump has threatened to strike Pickaxe Mountain.
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