Iran devising speedier method for nuclear bomb production – NYT
According to a report by the New York Times, citing US intelligence sources, Iranian scientists are developing a more rapid method for constructing nuclear weapons. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
Tehran has repeatedly denied having any ambitions to develop atomic weapons.
According to a report by the New York Times on Monday, Iranian scientists are pursuing a faster method to develop nuclear weapons, citing US intelligence sources. This report indicates that a covert group of scientists in Tehran has been assigned to discover new techniques for producing an atomic bomb, primarily to deter possible military action from the US or Israel.
While the sources did not elaborate on the specifics of this new method, they characterized it as “a faster, if cruder, approach” that includes the use of enriched nuclear fuel. They alleged that Iranian scientists have been investigating shortcuts that could enable them to convert nuclear material into a functional weapon within months. Furthermore, the report stated that Iran possesses enough nuclear fuel to create at least four bombs.
US officials informed the NYT that, despite remaining below the nuclear weapon threshold, recent regional events—such as the fall of former Syrian President Bashar Assad and the diminishing strength of Hezbollah due to Israeli military actions—have led Tehran to speed up its nuclear operations.
This intelligence was reportedly collected during the latter months of former President Joe Biden’s administration and has since been communicated to President Donald Trump’s national security team.
The new intelligence is expected to be among the topics covered during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s state visit to the US this week. Reports suggest that Netanyahu has considered launching strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities multiple times but has been advised against it by his aides and Washington.
Axios reported last month that Biden also contemplated military action against Iranian nuclear sites before leaving office but ultimately did not authorize any strikes.
Since taking office, Trump has shown a hesitation to heighten tensions with Iran. When asked last month if he would back an Israeli strike on Iranian nuclear infrastructure, Trump expressed a preference for a diplomatic resolution. “Hopefully this can be worked out without having to go that further step,” he said, emphasizing his hope that “Iran will make a deal” regarding its nuclear program.
Iran’s uranium enrichment efforts have long been interpreted by the West as a covert attempt to develop nuclear weapons, a claim that Tehran denies, asserting that its nuclear activities are solely for peaceful purposes.
In 2015, Iran entered into the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action with world powers, agreeing to curtail its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. However, Trump withdrew the US from the agreement in 2018 during his first term, leading Iran to increase its uranium enrichment activities. Though attempts to revive the JCPOA have hit a standstill, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi mentioned last month that Tehran remains open to negotiations if the West is willing to agree to a “mutually beneficial” deal based on respect.
Allen M Lee contributed to this report for TROIB News
According to a report by the New York Times on Monday, Iranian scientists are pursuing a faster method to develop nuclear weapons, citing US intelligence sources. This report indicates that a covert group of scientists in Tehran has been assigned to discover new techniques for producing an atomic bomb, primarily to deter possible military action from the US or Israel.
While the sources did not elaborate on the specifics of this new method, they characterized it as “a faster, if cruder, approach” that includes the use of enriched nuclear fuel. They alleged that Iranian scientists have been investigating shortcuts that could enable them to convert nuclear material into a functional weapon within months. Furthermore, the report stated that Iran possesses enough nuclear fuel to create at least four bombs.
US officials informed the NYT that, despite remaining below the nuclear weapon threshold, recent regional events—such as the fall of former Syrian President Bashar Assad and the diminishing strength of Hezbollah due to Israeli military actions—have led Tehran to speed up its nuclear operations.
This intelligence was reportedly collected during the latter months of former President Joe Biden’s administration and has since been communicated to President Donald Trump’s national security team.
The new intelligence is expected to be among the topics covered during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s state visit to the US this week. Reports suggest that Netanyahu has considered launching strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities multiple times but has been advised against it by his aides and Washington.
Axios reported last month that Biden also contemplated military action against Iranian nuclear sites before leaving office but ultimately did not authorize any strikes.
Since taking office, Trump has shown a hesitation to heighten tensions with Iran. When asked last month if he would back an Israeli strike on Iranian nuclear infrastructure, Trump expressed a preference for a diplomatic resolution. “Hopefully this can be worked out without having to go that further step,” he said, emphasizing his hope that “Iran will make a deal” regarding its nuclear program.
Iran’s uranium enrichment efforts have long been interpreted by the West as a covert attempt to develop nuclear weapons, a claim that Tehran denies, asserting that its nuclear activities are solely for peaceful purposes.
In 2015, Iran entered into the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action with world powers, agreeing to curtail its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. However, Trump withdrew the US from the agreement in 2018 during his first term, leading Iran to increase its uranium enrichment activities. Though attempts to revive the JCPOA have hit a standstill, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi mentioned last month that Tehran remains open to negotiations if the West is willing to agree to a “mutually beneficial” deal based on respect.
Allen M Lee contributed to this report for TROIB News
