Iran has long said its nuclear program is only for peaceful use. But over the years, many have doubted that claim—especially Israel. Tensions between the two nations have grown as Israel continues to strike inside Iran, often targeting key scientists and military leaders. Yet new reports suggest there may be no solid proof that Iran is building a bomb.
Back in 2003, Iran said it stopped any plan to make nuclear weapons. Since then, its leaders have said the nuclear program is for power and research only. Still, after becoming Prime Minister in 2009, Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel has often accused Iran of lying and secretly working on a bomb.
Recently, Israel carried out airstrikes inside Iran. The attacks killed several military figures, along with at least six nuclear scientists. These events raised alarm worldwide and once again pushed the question into the spotlight: Is Iran building a nuclear bomb in secret?
The U.S. has its own view on this issue. In March, Tulsi Gabbard, the Director of National Intelligence, said Iran has not restarted its nuclear weapons program. She made it clear that Iran’s top leaders have not approved any such plan since 2003. This matches past reports from American intelligence agencies.
Also weighing in is Rafael Grossi, head of the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). In a recent interview, Grossi said his team has seen no clear signs that Iran is trying to build a nuclear bomb. The agency has full access to Iran’s radiation levels and research sites. Inspectors found no evidence of a secret weapons program.
Grossi confirmed, “We found no systematic plan to make nuclear weapons in Iran.” His agency checks both local and global sources of data. So far, they see no proof that Iran is crossing the line.
There is one fact that often raises concern. Iran holds about 408 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 percent purity. That’s a high level, and enriched uranium is used to make nuclear bombs. But to make a real weapon, the material must be at least 90 percent pure. The IAEA says they found no uranium in Iran that meets that level.
Experts say this makes a big difference. Having 60 percent enriched uranium may look bad, but it does not mean Iran has a bomb or can build one soon. Without 90 percent enriched material, it’s nearly impossible to make a working warhead.
Some global nuclear experts now question the main reason Israel gives for its attacks. If Iran has no active bomb program, then what is the real threat? Many feel that Israel’s actions may be based more on fear than facts.
This debate is far from over. Iran’s nuclear program remains under heavy watch. But unless new, solid proof is found, the claim that Iran is building a bomb may remain just that—a claim.
