The story: Intelligence Minister Mahmoud Alavi signals that Iran may seek nuclear weapons if the foreign pressure on it heightens. Speaking on Iranian state television late on Feb. 8, Alavi warned the West that “if Iran is pushed towards [nuclear weapons], that would be the fault of those who propelled Iran to that direction - and not [Tehran].”

The coverage: Alavi’s remarks have sparked a debate in Iran. Conservatives have slammed the intelligence minister for contradicting the fatwa (Islamic decree) of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei against the atomic bomb...