Iran's Nuclear Chief Ali Akbar Salehi said whoever has nuclear technology gains an "inherent power" in a video posted on an Iranian affiliated YouTube account. The video is translated with English subtitles.
Salehi contended the West is pressuring Iran on its nuclear program because they fear Iran also gaining this "inherent power":
ALI AKBAR SALEHI: Whoever has nuclear technology also gains an inherent power. Why is the West putting so much pressure on us when they know we are not seeking nuclear weapons? They say that these people are becoming an example to the world. They have resisted and have advanced so much in this technology that they have created this inherent power for themselves spontaneously. Regardless, this is a power.
Salehi curiously does not explain how nuclear technology translates to "inherent power," although one can reasonably infer the "power" he is referring to is nuclear deterrence.
In order for a state to practice nuclear deterrence, a country must have nuclear weapons to deter or influence actions by other states.
While the Iranian nuclear chief tried to execute a careful rhetorical dance, all he really did was tacitly reaffirm his nation's desire for a nuclear weapon.