A senior nuclear expert warned that missiles launched by Iran toward Israel “could be modified to carry nuclear warheads.” He added that Iran could produce 10 warheads within a maximum of six months.
Olli Heinonen, former deputy director of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), shared this alarming information with the British Times. Heinonen, 78, previously oversaw the IAEA’s efforts to monitor and limit Iran’s nuclear program.
The expert explained that although Iran officially declares that its nuclear program is for civilian purposes, Israel and Western countries see it as a cover for weapons development. A report released by the IAEA in August said Iran had increased its stockpile of 60% enriched uranium to 165 kg, about 20 kg more than in May. To create a nuclear bomb, uranium must be enriched to 90%.
Heinonen also noted that senior Iranian officials have hinted that they will change their defense doctrine, saying they are prepared to use nuclear weapons “if we don’t get what we want.” However, he stressed that using such weapons would be a “huge risk” for Iran, and would likely use them as a “trap and threat.”
Other experts noted that it would be difficult to directly attack Iran’s deep-seated and heavily fortified uranium enrichment facilities.
Cursor previously wrote that damage to a key air base after an Iranian missile attack was shown by satellite images.
