A senior Iranian official has warned that Iran could potentially develop a nuclear weapon in a short timeframe, exacerbating concerns about the escalating tensions in the Middle East.
This statement comes as Iran has expanded its nuclear program, reducing the time it would need to build a nuclear bomb, following the erosion of the 2015 international agreement that limited its nuclear activities in exchange for the lifting of international sanctions.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is working to determine Iran’s nuclear intentions, which Tehran claims are peaceful.
Iran Needs ‘One Week’ To Build Nuclear Weapon (Credits: WION)
However, Javad Karimi-Ghodousi, a former military commander and member of Iran’s national security commission, stated in a video that Iran has the technical capability to enrich uranium to 90 percent purity, which is suitable for nuclear warheads, in a matter of days or weeks.
He also referenced a statement by Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, that the regime will respond to threats at the same level.
Karimi-Ghodousi warned that if the EU and the US do not meet Iran’s demands, Iran will not only acquire nuclear arms but also increase its missile range to target European countries.
Iran Could Build a Nuclear Weapon (Credits: Foreign Affairs)
The IAEA is scheduled to meet with senior Iranian officials in May, following concerns raised by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards commander in charge of nuclear security, Ahmad Haghtalab, who suggested that Iran may review its nuclear doctrine in response to threats from Israel.
The comments by high-ranking Iranian officials have raised concerns, with IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi stating that the Middle East is in a fragile situation.
Iran’s stock of enriched uranium has increased since the 2015 deal, and its breakout time to produce enough weapons-grade uranium for a nuclear bomb is estimated to be a matter of weeks or days.
