Iran could reach nuclear weapons capability before President Biden leaves office, according to U.S. foreign policy experts. With Tehran accelerating uranium enrichment and bolstering its nuclear program, concerns are mounting that the regime could finalize a nuclear weapon before the next administration takes charge in 2025. Experts warn that Iran might take this step if it senses a potential Trump return, seeking to establish a nuclear fait accompli before a more hawkish administration assumes office.
U.S. intelligence agencies and foreign policy think tanks like the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) have raised alarms over Iran's progress. In just a few weeks, Iran could potentially produce weapons-grade uranium, a key milestone in developing a nuclear bomb.
My colleague @jaysolomon with today’s must read on how close Iran is to a nuke. https://t.co/bjTw5uPxEl
— Eli Lake (@EliLake) September 4, 2024
The Biden administration has previously relaxed sanctions on Iran, focusing on diplomacy and engagement. However, critics argue this approach has emboldened Tehran, allowing it to rapidly expand its nuclear capabilities. Iran now possesses more than 6,000 kilograms of enriched uranium, with the technical capacity to build 13 nuclear bombs within months.
This advancement marks a stark contrast to the Trump administration’s "maximum pressure" strategy, which imposed harsh sanctions and led to a degree of nuclear restraint from Iran. Under Biden, Iran has installed thousands of advanced centrifuges at multiple sites, including the controversial Fordow facility and a new deeply-buried site near Natanz, speeding up its path to weapons-grade enrichment.
My prediction of a Kamala Harris presidency.
The Short List:
1. China invades Taiwan
2. Putin uses tactical nukes in Ukraine
3. Iran tests a nuclear bomb
4. Israel nukes Iran
5. America experiences crippling terror attacks
6. Economy tanks— 🇺🇸 Ely Brit! 𝕏 (@realelybritt) September 11, 2024
Experts are concerned about the geopolitical ramifications of a nuclear Iran, especially for Israel and other U.S. allies in the Middle East. Israel, facing threats from Hamas and Hezbollah, could be forced to take military action, heightening tensions in an already volatile region. Some warn that the situation mirrors the potential for a regional nuclear arms race if Iran's ambitions go unchecked.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has acknowledged that Iran is "weeks away" from producing weapons-grade material, underscoring the urgency of the situation. With Iran's nuclear program now advancing faster than at any point in recent years, many in Washington are calling for a reevaluation of the Biden administration's approach to Iran.
As diplomatic options appear to dwindle, Tehran’s nuclear ambitions may present the next U.S. president with a dangerous and complex challenge. Iran's strategy to develop nuclear weapons while international focus shifts to other global issues may position the regime to declare itself a nuclear-armed state by 2025, forcing a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy.
The rapid escalation of Iran's nuclear program poses a serious test to the current administration’s strategy. Many experts warn that time is running out to prevent Tehran from crossing the nuclear threshold, raising the specter of a new era of instability in the Middle East.
