Iran's nuclear weapons fuel production capability
May 22, 2012
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European Union Foreign Policy Chief Catherine Ashton of the UK arrives in Baghdad, Iraq, on May 23, 2012 in Iraq. Representatives from the P5+1 group of nations are meeting to hold talks aimed at persuading Iran to suspend its nuclear program.
Article Highlights
- Agreement to halt enrichment would have limited impact on #Iran’s ability to quickly produce uranium for one nuclear warhead
- in a worst-case dash scenario, Iran could get to 90 percent weapons-grade #uranium at Fordow in about 42 days
- Any outcome shy of removing all nuclear material will allow #Iran the ability to get nuclear weapons fuel in short order
Iran could offer to halt production of 20 percent enriched uranium in upcoming negotiations. This “concession” would have limited impact on Iran’s ability to quickly produce weapons-grade uranium for one nuclear warhead, however. Iran would still retain the ability to resume 20 percent enrichment and to produce weapons-grade uranium at a time of its choosing.
