Iran may be preparing to develop an older-style nuclear weapon that could be produced much more quickly than the more complex designs previously considered. U.S. intelligence has confirmed that Iranian scientists are working on an accelerated approach to nuclear weapons production that would allow Tehran to turn its growing stockpile of nuclear fuel into a nuclear weapon in a matter of months. This was noted in an article published by The New York Times, citing US intelligence sources.
Fast track to nuclear weapons
Iranian engineers are reportedly seeking to produce a simpler nuclear weapon that cannot be miniaturised for installation on a ballistic missile, but which Iran can quickly build, test and declare its nuclear weapons status. Such a weapon would be significantly less reliable than current designs, but its rapid production and demonstration of power could have a deterrent effect.
Iran’s nuclear threshold and international politics
After the United States withdrew from the nuclear deal with Iran in 2018, Tehran resumed uranium production and now has enough fuel to make several nuclear bombs. American officials say that Iran remains on the “nuclear threshold”, which makes the international community monitor this process. It is expected that these issues will be discussed at the meeting between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which will take place in the near future.
