Defense Priorities Defense Priorities
  • Policy Topics
    • US-Israel-Iran
    • Ukraine-Russia
    • Western Hemisphere
    • NATO
    • China
    • Syria
  • Analysis
    • Research
    • Q&A
  • Programs
    • Grand Strategy Program
    • Military Analysis Program
    • Asia Program
    • Middle East Program
  • Experts
  • Events
  • Media
  • About
    • Mission & Vision
    • People
    • Jobs
    • Contact
  • Donate
Select Page
Home / Israel-Iran / After U.S. strikes, Iran may be determined to build a nuclear weapon
Israel‑Iran, Iran, Middle East, US‑Israel‑Iran

After U.S. strikes, Iran may be determined to build a nuclear weapon

“The sad truth here is that by striking Iran, the U.S. has made it much more likely that Iran will want to obtain nuclear weapons,” said Rosemary Kelanic, the director of the Middle East program at Defense Priorities, a think tank that advocates a restrained foreign policy.

She added: “Even if the raids knocked out all of Iran’s nuclear facilities—a big if—Iran will now be more motivated than ever to rebuild their capabilities and pursue not just uranium enrichment but actual weaponization.”

Read at The New York Times

Featuring

Rosemary
Kelanic

Director, Middle East Program

Defense Priorities

More on Middle East

Op-edUS‑Israel‑Iran, Iran, Middle East

Trump’s Project Freedom U-turn shows limits of coercion

By Daniel DePetris

May 7, 2026

Op-edUS‑Israel‑Iran, Iran, Middle East

Trump’s ‘Project Freedom’ Iran war mission was over almost as soon as it started

By Daniel DePetris

May 7, 2026

In the mediaMiddle East, Iran, US‑Israel‑Iran

Attack on French cargo ship highlights continued risks in Strait of Hormuz

Featuring Rosemary Kelanic

May 6, 2026

Op-edUS‑Israel‑Iran, Iran, Middle East

Iran Has All the Hallmarks of a Forever War

By William Walldorf

May 6, 2026

In the mediaUS‑Israel‑Iran, Iran, Middle East

Can a peace deal be agreed between Iran and U.S.?

Featuring William Walldorf

May 6, 2026

In the mediaIran, Middle East, US‑Israel‑Iran

Analyst: Iran Would Prefer A Return To Fighting Over Deal That ‘Compromises Their Sovereignty’

Featuring Jennifer Kavanagh

May 5, 2026

Events on Israel-Iran

See All Events
virtualMiddle East, Grand strategy, Israel‑Iran

Does the Middle East still matter?

February 6, 2024
virtualMiddle East, Iran, Israel‑Hamas, Israel‑Iran, Syria, Yemen

Keeping the U.S. out of war in the Middle East

January 16, 2024
in-personMiddle East, Counterterrorism, Israel‑Iran

Recalibrating Middle East policy

November 27, 2018

Receive expert foreign policy analysis

Join the hub of realism and restraint

Expert updates and analysis to enhance your understanding of vital U.S. national security issues

Defense Priority Mono Logo

Our mission is to inform citizens, thought leaders, and policymakers of the importance of a strong, dynamic military—used more judiciously to protect America’s narrowly defined national interests—and promote a realistic grand strategy prioritizing restraint, diplomacy, and free trade to ensure U.S. security.

  • Research
  • Experts
  • About
  • For Media
  • Jobs
  • Donate
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Contact
© 2026 Defense Priorities Foundation. All rights reserved.