Iran just started debating whether to build nuclear weapons

Iran's old rule against ever building a nuclear weapon is now being argued about in public.

And not by outsiders. By the man who runs the country's Supreme National Security Council.

Mohsen Rezaei is that man. He told state media a few hours ago that Iran is debating whether to keep its existing nuclear doctrine if war with the US and Israel starts again. He says no decision has been made yet.

He went further too. He says it's uncertain whether Iran will even stay in the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty if another war breaks out.

Mohsen Rezaei says quote "it is uncertain whether we will remain in the NPT if another war begins".

So this is Iran's own security chief saying the old rule is up for debate.

And he's not the only one saying it this week.

Ten bills calling for Iran to leave the NPT have been registered in parliament. Ebrahim Rezaei sits on parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Committee. He says most lawmakers back the bills and they're ready for a vote.

One lawmaker, Mahmoud Nabavian, posted online that Iran's 90 million people should not be left defenceless.

Quick thing here. Mohsen Rezaei and Ebrahim Rezaei are two different people. One runs the security council. The other sits in parliament. Both are talking about the same thing, in the same week.

Then there's the clergy. Tehran's interim Friday prayer leader, Mohammad Javad Haj Ali Akbari, used his sermon two days ago to call changing the nuclear doctrine a national demand. He said it wasn't some emotional reaction.

He also cited a survey showing more than 70% support for reviewing the doctrine. But he didn't name the survey or who ran it. So that number can't be checked.

So why now? Mohsen Rezaei says Washington's tone has completely changed.

Here's why. About a week ago, US Vice President JD Vance sent him a letter. It came through Qatari mediators. It offered direct talks, with Iran's nuclear programme on the table from the start. Rezaei says he's read the letter. He hasn't replied yet.