НВ (Новое Время)

Klimkin: To Destroy Iranian Missiles, the U.S. May Use Low-Yield Nuclear Charges

Pavlo Klimkin, Ukraine's Foreign Minister from 2014 to 2019, stated on Radio NV that the United States may need to deploy low-yield nuclear charges to eliminate all Iranian missiles, a comment that has sparked significant discussion among experts regarding international security and military strategy.

Pavlo Klimkin, who served as Ukraine's Foreign Minister from 2014 to 2019, made a striking statement during an appearance on Radio NV, suggesting that in order to completely destroy Iran's missile arsenal, the United States would have to resort to using low-yield nuclear charges. This assertion has generated considerable interest and debate within expert circles, as it touches on crucial aspects of international security and military strategy.

During the broadcast, Klimkin expressed his belief that the objectives of U.S. President Donald Trump in the conflict against Iran have been achieved only 'very limitedly.' He emphasized that, according to estimates from friends with access to unpublished data, approximately one-third of Iran's missile stockpiles have been destroyed to date. This indicates that despite numerous military operations, the issue of Iranian missiles remains a pressing concern.

Klimkin further elaborated that Iran conceals its missiles in 'basalts and granites, at depths of 300 to 400 meters.' This complicates the task for American military forces, as even the bombs used by Trump to strike the Fordow nuclear facility are incapable of reaching such depths. 'The only real option is to use low-yield nuclear charges, but that is a completely different world. It fundamentally changes all the rules and what many believed, and many adhered to. It is a fundamental leap in the proliferation of everything that is possible and what is not. I do not think Trump would calmly agree to this right now,' Klimkin remarked.

On April 6, CNN reported that countries working towards ending the war in Iran have developed a 45-day ceasefire plan. However, President Donald Trump did not endorse this document, indicating significant disagreements regarding approaches to resolving the conflict.

It is expected that Trump will address the war on April 6 at 1:00 PM Washington time (8:00 PM Kyiv time) during a press conference at the White House. This could mark a pivotal moment in the unfolding events, as his statements may influence future U.S. actions in the region.

CNN also reported that Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey have acted as intermediaries between the two warring nations; however, indirect negotiations hit a deadlock last week, and efforts to organize a personal meeting appear to have stalled. This underscores the complexity of the situation and the difficulties faced by countries attempting to mediate the conflict.

On April 5, Trump issued a new ultimatum to Iran, giving Tehran 48 hours to open the Strait of Hormuz. He made strong remarks and threatened to strike Iran's power plants and bridges if no agreement is reached. This indicates that the situation remains tense, with a high possibility of conflict escalation.

In response to U.S. threats, Tehran stated that if further strikes on Iranian infrastructure occur, 'the gates of hell' would open for the U.S. and Israel. According to CNN, Tehran also declared that it would fully open the Strait of Hormuz only after receiving financial compensation for war-related damages. This could complicate negotiations and lead to further conflicts in the region.

On April 6, Axios reported that the U.S. and Iran are discussing terms for a potential 45-day ceasefire through intermediaries, which could lead to a final resolution of the war. This suggests that despite the tensions, both sides are still seeking opportunities for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

On the same day, Reuters, citing sources, reported that Iran rejected a proposal to end the war with the U.S. and Israel, under which Tehran would unblock the Strait of Hormuz for a ceasefire. This further confirms the complexity and intricacies of the situation faced by countries in the region.