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A senior Russian lawmaker has said that Iran will strive to rebuild and develop its nuclear program after US and Israeli attempts to destroy it, and that Tehran is well-prepared for a military conflict with the United States. Alexey Pushkov, chairman of the Russian Federation Council's Information Policy Committee, made the remarks in interviews with TASS, the Russian state news agency.

Coverage Comparison

TASS, the only outlet whose coverage is examined here, reported Pushkov's statements across three separate articles. The first, dated April 27, focused on Iran's nuclear ambitions and its potential to become a major power. The second, dated April 26, emphasized Iran's military preparedness, including the claim that Tehran may possess tens of thousands of missiles and drones. The third, also dated April 27, highlighted the absence of a rift in Iranian society and Iran's strategic advantages, such as control of the Strait of Hormuz.

While the articles share a common source—Pushkov—they each emphasize different aspects of his remarks, ranging from nuclear development to societal resilience and military capability.

Key Claims

  • Iran will strive to rebuild and develop its nuclear program after US and Israeli attempts to destroy it, according to Pushkov, who said, "I don't rule out the possibility that Iran will now strive for nuclear weapons. Since Israel and the US wanted to destroy its nuclear program, it will definitely restore it. And I don't think anyone will be able to stop it."
  • Iran has developed missile technology and accumulated significant stockpiles of enriched uranium, despite years of sanctions pressure, Pushkov said. He added that Iran has "created a resilience potential that the American 'hyperpower' cannot surpass."
  • Iran could become a major power in the new multipolar world, Pushkov said, citing its control over the Strait of Hormuz and its oil resources.
  • Iran was prepared for an armed conflict with the United States, according to Pushkov, who said, "The Iranians have prepared very well for war. They have moved virtually all of their missile facilities underground, where they are extremely difficult to reach, and have dispersed them throughout the country. They seem to have tens of thousands of drones. They also have missiles."
  • There is no sign of a rift in Iranian society amid a military conflict with the US, Pushkov said, describing Iran as "a very ancient civilization" with "rational people" and a strong school of engineering.
  • Iran controls the Strait of Hormuz and has a well-developed missile capability and a strong intelligence capacity, Pushkov said, noting that a drone had hit the exact floor of a Dubai hotel where CIA officers were staying.

Perspectives

Russian Official Viewpoint

Alexey Pushkov, a senior Russian lawmaker, presents Iran as a resilient and prepared nation, capable of withstanding US pressure and rebuilding its nuclear program. His remarks reflect a perspective that views Iran's military and strategic capabilities as formidable and its society as unified.