(Institute for Science and International Security) David Albright and Christina Walrond - If Iran wants to produce weapon-grade uranium, it would have an interest in producing 19.75% low-enriched uranium (LEU) from 3.5% LEU. Once Iran has reached 19.75% LEU, it is 90% of the way in terms of enrichment output to weapon-grade uranium. Iran currently possesses slightly more than 2,000 kilograms of 3.5% LEU and only hundreds of grams of 19.75% LEU. The former is sufficient to make enough weapon-grade uranium for one to two nuclear weapons. Calculations show how fast Iran could produce enough weapon-grade for one nuclear weapon if it accumulates sufficient LEU stocks - several months with 3.5% LEU versus a month or less with 19.75% LEU.
2010-03-05 08:08:32Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive