WASHINGTON – House Intelligence Committee Chair Rep. Mike Turner, a Republican from Ohio, stated in a recent interview that Iran might assert it has nuclear weapons “by the end of the year.” He criticized President Joe Biden for not doing enough to prevent Iran from progressing in its nuclear program.

Turner mentioned, “Considering the advancements made under the Biden administration’s policies, it’s conceivable that Iran could declare itself a nuclear weapons state by the year’s end,” during his appearance on CBS News’ “Face the Nation.”

Countries that have nuclear weapons are classified as nuclear weapon states. Although Iran has consistently denied pursuing a nuclear arsenal, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has claimed that global leaders could not stop Iran if it sought to acquire such weapons.

When questioned about whether Khamenei’s remarks affected his view on Iran’s nuclear ambitions, Turner responded, “No.”

Turner’s remarks followed comments from former President Donald Trump, who said at a recent campaign event that he doesn’t plan to take a harsh stance towards Iran if he secures another term, but he intends to ensure they do not possess nuclear weapons.

During his presidency, Trump withdrew from the Iran nuclear agreement, a diplomatic accord aimed at curbing Iran’s nuclear activities that was established during President Obama’s administration. He argued that the agreement facilitated Iran’s ability to develop weapons.

On Sunday, Turner asserted that Trump applied the most significant pressure on Iran compared to any previous administration, both in economic and military contexts.

Turner remarked, “They were on the verge of collapse.”

He continued, “The leeway Iran has experienced under the Biden administration has enabled them not only to attempt influencing our elections and allegedly plot to assassinate Trump but also to continue expanding their nuclear programs.”

The FBI is currently looking into claims that Iranian cyber operatives hacked into the presidential campaigns of Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. Moreover, U.S. intelligence agencies are monitoring Iranian threats directed towards Trump.