Institute for Science and International Security: Iran Can Build a Nuclear Bomb in One Week

The Washington-based think tank, 'Institute for Science and International Security,' stated in a report published in February that the Iranian government can build a nuclear bomb in one week and six bombs in one month. David Albright, the founder and president of this think tank, had previously announced this in late January. The report indicates that the likelihood of Iran producing a nuclear bomb has increased under the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and that Iran could enrich more uranium to weapons-grade by obstructing inspectors. This think tank monitors the threats posed by the 'hostile actions and intentions' of the Islamic Republic of Iran towards the United States and its allies, as well as Iran's nuclear program, providing regular reports on the matter. According to the think tank, Iran's ability to produce a nuclear bomb in one week is a sign of a 'very severe danger' to the Western world. The report also states that since May 2023, the threat from Iran's nuclear program has significantly increased. It mentions that the instability following Hamas's attack on Israel has created a unique opportunity for Iran to develop nuclear weapons, and the current situation in the Middle East has also increased the 'internal justification' for such actions. Recently, the Islamic Republic fired missiles at its nuclear neighbor, Pakistan, which responded to the attack. Senior leaders and military officials of the Islamic Republic, such as Ali Khamenei and Ibrahim Raisi, did not react publicly to Pakistan's military response and tried to avoid discussing it in public. Iranian officials claim they are not seeking nuclear weapons. However, recently, the Islamic Republic's state television asked Saeed Islami, the head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization, whether it was time for Iran to build a nuclear bomb, to which Islami responded that the 'fatwa of the Supreme Leader' deems the use of nuclear weapons 'haram' (forbidden) and that 'reliance on God' is a component of the 'national security strategy' of the Islamic Republic. According to this official, 'fewer countries' have such components, and Iran is moving forward with 'reliance on divine support.' The 'Institute for Science and International Security' had previously claimed in a report published last September that the Islamic Republic had made significant advancements in its nuclear capabilities and could produce '10 nuclear warheads' in just 'four months.' A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department stated that they are aware of the Director General of the IAEA's comments regarding the slowdown in uranium enrichment in Iran. The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency noted that the speed of uranium enrichment in Iran has slightly slowed down. The construction of the 'Iran Hormoz' nuclear power plant has begun in southern Iran; Behrouz Bayat stated it has a promotional aspect. Netanyahu stated that if necessary, they would fight alone in Gaza and would not allow Iran to become nuclear.