This much uranium is required to make a nuclear bomb and Iran has…, IAEA says…

New Delhi: The world is still reeling under the aftereffects of the US strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites at Fordow Uranium Enrichment Plant, the Natanz Nuclear Facility, and the Isfahan Nuclear Technology Center on June 22 to eliminate all of Iran’s uranium. As of now, the scene is not yet clear as both sides are indulged in rhetoric.

What are the main concerns?

Amidst this uncertainty, a few pertinent questions need to be answered, like will there be another conflict between Iran and Israel, how big is the possibility of it becoming World War 3, what has happened to Tehran’s nuclear programme, and how much enriched uranium Iran possesses. Even after heavy bombing by Israel and the USA of the three spots, the dust has not settled, rather more questions linger on.

The main focus is on uranium. How much of it is there, where is it stored, what remains, what has gone missing, and how close is Iran to building a nuclear bomb?

Why is IAEA worried?

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi has, in a televised interview, warned that Iran could restart parts of its nuclear programme within months, or maybe even in less time. Some of the plants are intact while stockpiles remain hidden. There is no accountability of how much is missing. How much enriched uranium Iran still possesses and is it enough to make more than one bomb or possibly many?

How is uranium enriched?

Enriched uranium is required to make a nuclear device. It is refined into a more potent form known as weapons-grade uranium and for most designs, uranium enriched to 90% or U-235 is necessary. To make a small nuclear bomb with limited blast range, as little as 15 to 25 kilograms of highly enriched uranium is needed while for making more powerful devices 50 kilograms or more U-235 is required.

According to the closest estimates, Iran has 400 kilograms of enriched uranium which could create about 12 to 14 nuclear bombs.

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