Hasan Piker discusses Iran's nuclear capabilities in Axios interview

<p>Progressive commentator Hasan Piker stated in an interview with Axios that he does not oppose Iran having nuclear weapons. When asked by Axios correspondent Alex Thompson if Iran should be free to build a nuclear weapon, Piker responded, "I think Iran, much like any other sovereign nation, has a right to defend itself, regardless of its domestic policies." </p><p>Piker referenced political scientist John Mearsheimer, suggesting that "mutually assured destruction is the only way for countries to have sovereignty," which he believes would contribute to regional stability. He clarified, "Now having said that, do I want Iran to have nuclear arms? No. But I also don't want America, or Russia, or China to have nuclear arms either." </p><p>When Thompson asked if the Middle East would be more stable if Iran had a nuclear weapon, Piker affirmed, "I believe yes. I think that the Middle East would be more stable." He emphasized that he is not advocating for a nuclear-armed Iran or that it should possess weapons-grade enriched uranium, but he considers the nuclear discussion a "distraction." </p><p>Piker noted that the Iranian government has used the conversation about enriched uranium as leverage to negotiate sanctions relief with the U.S. He stated, "Time and time again, they have shown, the Iranian government, regardless of whether you want to trust them or not, you can just look at their actions, have proven that they are utilizing the conversation of enriched uranium as a point of leverage to bring America back to the table to get sanctions relief." </p><p>Piker also made headlines earlier by claiming that the U.S. is responsible for more terrorism than al Qaeda "pound for pound." Democratic Michigan Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed, who campaigned alongside Piker, has been questioned about Piker's comments and has attempted to distance himself from them, stating, "I do not agree with this statement [on al Qaeda], nor do I give much weight to the statements made by a social media streamer. I am more concerned with the dangerous policies of Donald Trump and Mike Rogers that are raising the prices of gas, groceries and healthcare for Michiganders."</p>