In a recent report titled "How quickly could Iran make nuclear weapons today?", American physicist David Albright, a renowned expert on nuclear weapons programs, has revealed that Iran's regime could generate enough weapon-grade uranium for an atomic bomb within a week.

Albright, the founder and president of the Washington-based Institute for Science and International Security, highlighted that Iran's capability to produce weapon-grade uranium has significantly increased compared to 2003. He stated that Iran would only require one week to obtain enough uranium for its first nuclear weapon, and in the span of a month, it could amass enough for six nuclear weapons. After five months of production, Iran could potentially accumulate enough for twelve weapons.

Moreover, Albright emphasized that Iran could also begin preparatory work on transforming the weapon-grade uranium into nuclear weapon components, as observed during the Amad Plan and at civilian nuclear facilities in Esfahan. He noted the production of a small amount of 20% enriched uranium metal, which can serve as a substitute for weapon-grade uranium.

The nuclear expert further addressed international concerns regarding Iran's growing nuclear weapons capability. He referred to a joint statement made on December 28 by the United States and its European allies, condemning Iran's expansion of its 60% enriched uranium output. Albright stated that this enrichment level is just a step away from 90% enriched or weapons-grade uranium, the preferred level for nuclear weapons production. Iran had previously perfected this level of enrichment during its Amad Plan, which was replaced with a smaller, more dispersed nuclear weapons effort in 2003.

Following Albright's report, Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), acknowledged that Iran is the only non-nuclear weapon state enriching uranium at such a high level, dangerously close to weapons-grade enrichment. He stressed the importance of Iran adhering to the rules governing nuclear activities.

Albright cautioned that Western intelligence agencies, including Israel's, may struggle to detect the initiation of Iran's nuclear weaponization efforts, considering the complexities and conflicts in the region. He emphasized the necessity of a deterrence strategy to dissuade Iran from pursuing the development of nuclear weapons. Albright recommended bolstering US military cooperation with Israel to ensure their ability to promptly and decisively strike Iran's nuclear sites if signs of weaponization arise.

The nuclear expert concluded by advocating for the strengthening of military capabilities with allies and regional partners in the Middle East to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and to deter potential retaliatory actions.

Given the urgency highlighted in Albright's report, the international community must closely monitor Iran's nuclear activities and collectively develop measures to address the potential threat.