US Secretary of State Warns Iran could Produce Fissile Material for Nuclear Weapon within Weeks

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ICARO Media Group
Politics
20/07/2024 17h26

In a recent security forum held in Colorado, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken issued a warning regarding Iran's nuclear program. He stated that Iran could potentially produce the necessary materials for a nuclear weapon within one to two weeks, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.

Blinken attributed the accelerated progress of Iran's nuclear program to the US withdrawal from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) nuclear deal. Former President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew from the agreement in 2018, claiming it was flawed.

The US Secretary of State expressed concern over Iran's enrichment of uranium to a high level of 60%, just short of weapons-grade. Additionally, Iran has been amassing significant stockpiles of uranium, raising further alarms. While Iran has not yet produced an actual nuclear weapon, Blinken highlighted the dangerous combination of fissile material and an explosive device that could lead to the development of one.

National security adviser Jake Sullivan also acknowledged an increase in Iranian officials publicly discussing the possibility of developing a nuclear bomb following the April attacks and counterattacks involving Israel and Iran's allies. The exchange of missile and drone strikes ensued after an alleged Israeli strike on Iran's embassy complex in Syria, resulting in the death of two Iranian generals.

Reiterating the US stance, Sullivan emphasized the consequences Iran would face if it were to make the decision to build a nuclear bomb. He stated that Iran would "find a real problem with the US" should such a development occur.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has raised concerns over Iran's continued enrichment of uranium, highlighting that it is the only non-nuclear weapons state to reach such a high enrichment level. This has sparked condemnation and significant concern not only in the Middle East but also among the international community.

Despite the tensions, Iranian Acting Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri reassured the world that Iran remains committed to the JCPOA and seeks the revival of the 2015 nuclear agreement. Bagheri emphasized that Iran is not looking for a new agreement but rather the reinstatement of the existing one.

As Iran's nuclear program progresses, the international community, especially the United States, faces the challenge of preventing Iran from obtaining the capability to build a nuclear weapon. The race against time to address this issue has intensified, emphasizing the need for diplomatic engagement and a strategic approach to resolve the situation.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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