Department of Defense: Iran Capable of Producing Fissile Materials ‘in about 12 days’
During a House of Representatives Armed Services Committee hearing U.S. Defence Department official, Colin Kahl, revealed that it is believed Iran could produce enough enriched fissile materials to produce a nuclear weapon in ‘about 12 days’.
Fears surrounding Iran’s ability to obtain nuclear weapons continue to grow with the breakdown in dialogue around Iran’s nuclear ambitions. The greatest concerns involve the breakout of the Iranian-Israeli War, which could spark due to a possible preventive strike conducted by the Tel Aviv government on Iranian nuclear facilities. Kahl told representatives:
“Because Iran’s nuclear progress since we left the JCPOA has been remarkable. Back in 2018, when the previous administration decided to leave the JCPOA it would have taken Iran about 12 months to produce one bomb’s worth of fissile material. Now it would take about 12 days”
Iran has the capacity to deliver ballistic missile strikes on Israel either by means of various terrorist groups pledging their allegiance to Teheran or by conducting a launch from its own territory, as some of its missiles can reach distances as far as 2,000 kilometers. But the potential ability of Iran to use nuclear weapons effects not only Israel. Saudi Arabia, a regional rival, might be also a feasible target for nuclear attack in case of a major conflict.
Kahl went on to tell the hearing that “I think there is still the view that if you could resolve this issue diplomatically and put constraints back on their nuclear program, it is better than the other options. But right now, the JCPOA is on ice.”
Iran’s nuclear capabilities are a dangerous concern for the region and the US and the nuclear balance of the Middle East is at stake. Whether Iran will obtain nuclear weapons remains to be seen, the capability to simply manufacture them may be enough to spark conflict.