How close is Iran to produce an atomic bomb?

The Iranian regime states that its nuclear program is exclusively civil. Many experts and western intelligence agencies agree that Iran is not currently building a nuclear weapon.

However, advancement in Iran’s uranium enrichment levels may indicate this goal and are a cause for concern. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (AIEA), in 3 months, the Islamic Republic doubled its 60% purity -enriched uranium stock, reaching 409 pounds produced.

This level of enrichment is far above what is needed for civil energy production, and approaches the military degree. About 42 pounds would be enough to produce a nuclear bomb if this uranium were enriched at 90%.

Europe and the United States argue that there are no civil reasons to enrich 60%uranium. In fact, countries that came to this level have become bomb producers.

Advantage in negotiation or path to atomic bomb?

“As confirmed by the AIEA, Iran has accelerated its enrichment to 60%, as well as an increase in missile tests,” Hans Jakob Schindler, Safety expert at Counter Extremism Project, told DW.