CNN: Iran has reportedly tested 5 new coast-to-sea and sea-to-sea missiles in a last stage of its military maneuvers in the Persian Gulf. The missiles allegedly were fired simultaneously and struck a single target at the same time.
Hossein Salami, Deputy Chief of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard told Iranian media that the exercises were geared toward demonstrating Iran’s “strength, will and national resolve to defend independence and territorial integrity.”
…is still puzzling spy agencies, says the NYT.
The document which reportedly “describes research Iran would need to conduct on an advanced technology to detonate a nuclear weapon, if it was to develop one” still needs to be authenticated. If it is authentic, its exact import is still debatable.
The document appeared in a public report on Sunday.
Reuters/NYT just ran a story on the IAEA report that Iran is “ramping up” nuclear production of low enriched uranium (LEU) to the point where it has 5000 centrifuges operating. Note that this number of operational centrifuges isn’t really news. Back in November 2008, Iran’s nuclear chief announced that the country was running 5,000 uranium centrifuges at its central plant, up 1,000 from the 4,000 reported in August.
I’m guessing that what is news is that Iran’s stockpile of LEU is at 1339 kg , nearly triple what it had six months ago.
In any case, these operations are in direct defiance to U.N. demands that Iran cease its nuclear program. Iran claims it wants the industry for the purposes of alternative energy; however, it has stonewalled an IAEA investigation and limited its inspections.
To actually produce a bomb it would require conversion of the low enriched uranium into high enriched uranium, a process requiring the configuration of its centrifuge network and other time consuming “technical hurdles.” Inspectors would notice the process…unless they already have a secret site location where this is taking place.
BTW, has any one seen Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan lately? Pakistan released him from house arrest a few months ago. You know, the rogue nuclear scientist, dubbed the “largest nuclear proliferator in history”, who has admitted to selling nuclear technology to Iran, North Korea and Libya? Anyone?
Click here for more on Iran and its pursuit of weapons capability.
The L.A. Times reports that in a news conference earlier this month, President Obama described Iran’s”pursuit” of weapons capability, echoing CIA Director Leon Panetta’s definitive comments made while testifying on Capitol Hill: “From all the information I’ve seen… I think there is no question that they are seeking that capability.”
Way different from the November 2007 National Intelligence Estimate, little over a year ago.
And they’re doing it with parts unknowingly supplied by the U.S.!!!!
Back in November 2008, Iran’s nuclear chief announced that the country is running 5,000 uranium centrifuges at its central plant. These operations are in direct defiance to U.N. demands that Iran cease its nuclear program. The report of 5,000 centrifuges is up 1,000 from the 4,000 reported in August.
Ruh roh. BTW, has any one seen Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan lately? Pakistan just released him from house arrest the other day. You know, the rogue nuclear scientist, dubbed the “largest nuclear proliferator in history”, who has admitted to selling nuclear technology to Iran, North Korea and Libya? Anyone?
Click here for more on Iran and its pursuit of weapons capability.
UPDATE: (Guardian UK): Iran makes its first test run of nuclear reactor in Bushehr: “Substitute fuel used in trial of facility that Tehran says is for energy, but west fears programme is front for building atomic weapon.”
<
Culper Ring 355 