(Telegraph-UK) Damien McElroy - Iran has passed a crucial nuclear threshold, weapons inspectors have warned, and could now go on to arm an atomic missile with relative ease. A report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said Iranian nuclear scientists had made at least 22 kg. of enriched uranium at 20% purity, a technical hurdle that is the hardest to overcome on the way to weapons-grade uranium. Experts estimate that 20 kg. of uranium is the minimum required to arm a warhead. The uranium would still need to have its purity raised to 90%, but that is a relatively easy process. The Agency's report also noted that Iran's stockpile of low-enriched uranium, the feedstock of its military nuclear program, has risen by around 15% since May to reach 2.8 tons.
2010-09-07 10:45:54Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive