Iran's potential sprint towards nuclear weapon capability revealed
US intelligence reveals that Iran is assembling a team of scientists to explore rapid methods for constructing a nuclear bomb, potentially reducing the timeline from years to months.
US intelligence has disclosed that Iran has formed a group of scientists to investigate the possibilities of swiftly building a nuclear bomb. This information was reported by "The New York Times". Although the programme has not been implemented yet, its execution could decrease the bomb's construction time from years to months.
Iran officially claims that its nuclear programme does not have military objectives. However, in recent years, the country has significantly increased its production of enriched uranium. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, Iran possesses approximately 200 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 percent, which is enough to construct several atomic bombs. Further enrichment to the 90 percent level, required for military applications, would take only a few days.
According to "NYT", as cited by the Polish Press Agency, a secret team of Iranian scientists is examining faster, albeit more rudimentary, methods of building the bomb, potentially allowing its creation within a few months. Such a device would be outdated and difficult to transport, but it would enable Iran to quickly declare itself a nuclear power.
These reports have surfaced in the context of Iran's weakened position internationally. In 2023-24, groups backed by Iran, such as Hamas and Hezbollah, were engaged in conflict with Israel, though uncertain ceasefires are currently in effect. Additionally, Iran suffered significant losses in Israeli retaliatory attacks in 2024, which weakened its defensive capabilities.
Trump's talks with Netanyahu
The issue of Iran will be one of the topics Donald Trump will discuss with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Netanyahu has long considered a preemptive strike on Iranian nuclear facilities, but has so far refrained under US pressure. The situation may now change, although Trump has previously expressed a preference to resolve the Iran issue without military action.
Iran is actively advancing its nuclear programme, prompting international concern. Secret missions to Russia are aimed at enhancing Tehran's military capabilities, including the development of the nuclear programme. Iran is seeking technological support, which could quicken its progress in this domain.
