Global Security Newswire

Iran appears to be seeking to buy equipment needed to build and test nuclear weapons, such as high-speed switches and high-speed cameras, Reuters reported today (see GSN, July 13).

“They appear to be working on the planning for a high-speed nuclear implosion device,” a Western diplomat said. Iran has also been experimenting with a “high explosive that would be appropriate for the core of a nuclear weapon,” the diplomat added.

There is evidence that Iran is seeking the equipment needed to develop “breakout capability,” which would allow Tehran to quickly develop nuclear weapons if it were to withdraw from the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, a senior European diplomat said.

A senior U.S. official said that Iran’s recent procurement efforts have been known for some time.

“This is an ongoing procurement process. I fully believe that they’re still at it, but I can’t say that there is some new list that they’re out buying right now,” the official said.

Iran yesterday, though, denied the allegations made in the recent intelligence reports.

“It is not true at all,” Iranian President Mohammad Khatami said. “If they’re aiming to force Iran to abandon its right to use peaceful nuclear technology, then I should say that we will never abandon our right,” Khatami added (Louis Charbonneau, Reuters, July 16).