Blinken warns: Iran can make a nuclear bomb in a week

Despite the negotiations, the Iranian nuclear file remains a top priority for the US administration.

US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken announced that Iran is capable of producing fissile materials for the purpose of making a nuclear bomb "within a week or two," reiterating the US commitment to preventing Tehran from achieving this.

Iranian nuclear program

During a security forum in Colorado on Friday, Blinken saw that the current situation is not good, adding that Iran, due to the end of the nuclear agreement, instead of being at least one year away from being able to produce fissile materials for making a nuclear bomb, is now likely a week or two away from being able to do so, according to his expression.

He also explained that Tehran has not developed a weapon yet, stressing that the United States is closely monitoring this matter.

Blinken reiterated that a week or two is the estimated time for Iran to be able to produce this fissile material for the purpose of making a nuclear bomb, citing evidence that has emerged in recent weeks and months.

He added that Iran is moving forward with its nuclear program, reiterating that the United States' goal is for Iran to never possess a nuclear weapon, and preferring the diplomatic path to achieve this.

Blinken criticizes Trump's decision

In addition, Blinken criticized the decision of the administration of former US President Donald Trump to unilaterally withdraw in 2018 from the Iranian nuclear agreement concluded in 2015 between Iran and major powers, which allowed for the lifting of economic sanctions on Tehran in exchange for restricting its nuclear activities, until Washington reimposed harsh sanctions on Iran.

In contrast, former Republican President Trump, who is running again for president, accused the administration of his Democratic predecessor, Joe Biden, of allowing Iran to move forward with its nuclear program.

He said at the Republican Party conference, "Iran is very close to obtaining a nuclear weapon, which would never have happened" if he were president.

It is noteworthy that Iran denies seeking to develop a nuclear bomb, but its nuclear program is growing rapidly, according to the Americans.

The International Atomic Energy Agency says Iran is the only non-nuclear-weapon state that has enriched uranium to a high level of 60%, and it continues to build up stockpiles of the radioactive metal.

Iran and Uranium Enrichment

With 60% enrichment, Iran is closer to the 90% level needed to make a nuclear bomb, well above the 3.67% used in nuclear power plants.

Iran has backed away from most of the commitments to limit its nuclear activities under its landmark 2015 deal with world powers.

But Iran’s acting foreign minister, Ali Bagheri, told CNN this week that Tehran remains committed to the agreement, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.

Baqeri added that his country remains a member of the nuclear deal, so its goal is to revive the agreement.