Asharq Al Awsat

Iranian Nobel Peace Prize winner Narges Mohammadi expressed serious doubts about Tehran's nuclear intentions and she warned Wednesday, on the 80th anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima, that the “temptation” for countries to pursue nuclear arms was growing.

"In the case of Iran's nuclear policy, the claim of its being peaceful is mere political rhetoric," Mohammadi said via video link from Iran.

She also deplored that it had not improved the living conditions of Iranians.

“We face widespread shortages of electricity and water across the country,” she said. “The entire country is paralyzed for hours or even days without power or water, yet the regime possesses 400 kilograms of 60% enriched uranium that it now feels compelled to hide.”

The Iranian activist said some believe the level of conflict and tension has risen so sharply that perhaps even today, it is already too late to prevent a nuclear arms race in the Middle East.

But, she added, “to truly solve this crisis, we need a global consensus and will to address the roots of these tensions and work to reduce them.”

Mohammadi explained that in a world where authoritarian governments pursue nuclear weapons to ensure their survival, and where invasions of one country by another are becoming “normal,” and as international institutions like the United Nations steadily lose their influence, the temptation for countries to pursue nuclear arms grows stronger.

Mohammadi, who was awarded the Nobel prize in 2023 but has spent much of the past decade behind bars, was released in December for a limited period on medical leave, AFP said. Her legal team has warned that she could be re-arrested at any time.

Her words came as Japan marked 80 years since the atomic bombing of Hiroshima -- where 140,000 died in the colossal blast and later by the radiation.

Mohammadi has been repeatedly tried for her campaigning against Iran's widespread use of capital punishment and its mandatory dress code for women.

She won the Nobel primarily for her fight against the oppression of women in Iran. Her children collected the award on her behalf as she was in prison at the time.