Iran on Brink of Nuclear Capability: Trump and Gabbard Align on Threat Assessment
In a striking revelation, President Donald Trump stated that Iran is “very close” to developing a nuclear weapon, dismissing Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard’s March testimony that Iran wasn’t actively building one. Despite Gabbard’s assessment, Trump emphasized that Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium and advanced centrifuges bring it perilously close to nuclear capability. The White House clarified that Trump and Gabbard are aligned on Iran policy, with the distinction between their assessments being “one without a difference”.
Key Developments
– Iran’s Nuclear Progress: Iran has amassed enough enriched uranium to make weapons-grade uranium for a nuclear device within 12 days, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). With its current stockpiles and centrifuges, Iran could produce enough material for 10 nuclear devices within four months.
– Israeli Strikes: Israel launched preemptive strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, citing concerns that Tehran was advancing its nuclear program rapidly. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared the strikes necessary to “roll back the Iranian threat to Israel’s very survival”.
– US Assessment: Gen. Michael Kurilla, US Central Command chief, estimated Iran could produce enough weapons-grade material for one nuclear weapon in roughly one week and up to ten nuclear weapons in three weeks.
Escalating Conflict
The conflict between Israel and Iran has intensified, with both countries exchanging missile volleys and issuing evacuation orders. Trump urged Iran to sign a deal on its nuclear program, stating “Iran should have signed the ‘deal’ I told them to sign”. The situation remains volatile, with potential implications for global stability.
