Iran: Tehran Seen As Progressing Along Two Tracks To Develop Nuclear Weapons (Part 2)

Radio Free Europe ^ | Wednesday, 22 December 2004 | By Charles Recknagel

[Cutterjohnmhb]

The challenge for any country clandestinely seeking to become a nuclear power is how to acquire enough fissile material for such weapons. Most countries begin by starting a commercial nuclear program, a right to which any state that has signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) is entitled. The commercial program can then provide a cover for engaging in so-called dual-use activities, which can have either peaceful or military uses. In Part 2 of our series on the crisis over Iran's nuclear program, looks at the progress Tehran is believed to have made along two separate routes to making a nuclear bomb. (In Part 1, we look at what is known -- and unknown -- about Iran's nuclear ambitions.)

Prague, 22 December 2004 (RFE/RL) -- One of the "dual-use" activities often exploited by nations who are seeking to acquire nuclear weapons is the enrichment of uranium. Enriched uranium can be used for nuclear fuel or -- at high levels of enrichment -- for nuclear bombs.

The other method is the production of plutonium, a material that can be used in medical research or -- again -- for nuclear weapons.

[Cutterjohnmhb]

There is also a link to part 1, in the article....

[EGPWS]

The challenge for any country clandestinely seeking to become a nuclear power is how to acquire enough fissile material for such weapons.

Not true.

To a respectable country, the the challenge is to convince the rest of the world that their intentions for use is peaceful and peaceful only.

Without this ability to convince, only a he!!ish state of demanding, threatening, and alienating themselves from the rest of humanity will be the outcome.

[ApesForEvolution]

tick, tock, tick, tock...Iran is on the clock.