Despite the increasingly dire warnings about an imminent US showdown with Iran (and vice versa), Iran 鈥渉as not made the decision to go ahead with a nuclear weapon,鈥� Director of National Intelligence James Clapper told the Senate Intelligence Committee in unveiling the assessment.
鈥淚ran is keeping open the option to develop nuclear weapons,鈥� the assessment notes. 鈥淲e do not know, however, if Iran will eventually decide to build nuclear weapons.鈥�
The leadership in Iran is also realistic in its assessment about how risky moves like closing down the Strait of Hormuz 鈥� and the all-but-guaranteed US response 鈥� would affect their ability to retain power, according to intelligence officials.
鈥淲e judge Iran鈥檚 nuclear decision-making is guided by a cost-benefit approach, which offers the international community opportunities to influence Tehran,鈥� according to the assessment. 鈥淚ranian leaders undoubtedly consider Iran鈥檚 security, prestige, and influence when making decisions about its nuclear program.鈥�
