2007-03-29

This article belongs to column.


Despite denials, Iran is expected to be capable of producing a nuclear weapon within twelve months.


 


The information as to Iran's current nuclear program, its progress as well as its capabilities and civilian as well as military, were provided by sources within Iran as well as being obtained through other reliable sources and investigative processes.


 


While the processes of producing a nuclear weapon are different to those necessary to produce power generation, there are some basic processes that are required to suit both purposes following which the production methods and practices differentiate.


 


North Korean and Pakistani technicians provided some assistance while some of the material necessary to produce nuclear weapons came from the former Soviet Union as well as from Pakistan.


 


Iran already has the capability to deploy and deliver nuclear weapons with missile technology provided by North Korea.


 


There are two reasons for Iran wishing to develop and obtain nuclear weapons.


 


Having suffered massive civilian and military casualties during the Iran-Iraq war, Iran is determined not to be caught out again by external threats including threats from the US and Israel.


 


Iran is of the opinion that Israel, with its just over 200 operational nuclear warheads, is a threat to not only Iran but also to other Middle East countries.


 


Despite the fact that the Israeli Air Force is currently practicing with US-supplied weapons capable of striking at Iran in an attempt to destroy Iran's future nuclear capability, no doubt on behalf and in collusions with the US, success of such a mission is deemed to be highly unlikely.


 


It is understood that Iran is interested in abandoning nuclear weapons production and deployment upon Israel doing likewise.