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| Syria-Lebanon-Iran | |
| Iran Tests Nuclear Trigger Mechanism - Opposition | |
| 2005-02-03 | |
| PARIS (Reuters) - Iran has conducted successful experiments on a crucial triggering mechanism for a nuclear weapon, an exiled opposition group said on Thursday. President Bush on Wednesday renewed his accusation that Iran was seeking to develop atomic weapons and called it the "world's primary state sponsor of terror." Tehran dismisses the accusations and says its atomic ambitions are limited to the peaceful generation of electricity. The National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), which wants to oust Iran's clerical rulers and has given accurate information on its nuclear sites in the past, said Iran was close to producing the 'neutron initiators' that spark the chain reaction in a bomb. "Tehran has already succeeded in using beryllium in conjunction with polonium-210 for large scale laboratory testing purposes, and it is getting very close to the point of industrial production," Mohammad Mohaddessin of the NCRI told a news conference in Paris. Diplomats have already said there is evidence that Iran has bought small quantities of beryllium and tried to buy much more, and that the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) is examining this as part of a two-year investigation of Tehran's nuclear program. Beryllium also has many innocent uses, but Mohaddessin said Iran had not only secured significant quantities but also tried to conceal its purchases from the IAEA. "Tehran currently has enough beryllium to produce initiators for a dozen nuclear bombs," he said. He said the laboratory tests had been conducted at the Lavizan II site close to Tehran by experts from the Malek-Ashtar Industrial university, which is run by the Defense Ministry. Germany, France and Britain, acting for the European Union, have been urging Iran to permanently scrap the uranium enrichment that could give it the potential to make nuclear explosives in return for political and economic incentives. Washington takes a harder line and wants Iran to be reported to the U.N. Security Council for possible sanctions. The NCRI is a coalition of exiled opposition groups. The State Department lists it and its armed wing, the People's Mujahideen, as terrorist organizations.
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| Posted by:Steve |
| #7 rkb - That is true, it would be better if something internal could stop this, but with a story like this it seems like they are moving too fast for a real revolt to get steamed up. Good point on not letting an exile group getting us going. That sort of thing should be an asset or a piece of information, not the deciding factor in a decision to attack. |
| Posted by: Laurence of the Rats 2005-02-03 5:16:13 PM |
| #6 If this berrylium and Po210 story is correct, then the Iranians are well along to the plutonium bomb. The berrylium and Po mix in the center of a sphere of plutonium serves as the sparkplug at the moment of implosion, sending neutrons into the plutonium to initiate the chain reaction. Thanks to the evil Dr. Khan, the Iranians probably have the explosive lense details knocked out. Now all they will need is the plutonium (from Bushehr, the Norks, or other willing seller) and the precision electric detonators that set off the explosive lenses, initiating the implosion. And Yosemite Sam, this is definitely a pucker factor raiser if it is tee-rue. |
| Posted by: Alaska Paul 2005-02-03 4:34:14 PM |
| #5 Listen mullahs.... a finished game of "Mousetrap" isn't a nuclear triggering device..... |
| Posted by: Mark E. 2005-02-03 4:18:00 PM |
| #4 LotR, I guess the question is whether that is what we want to be provoked by these guys into doing. I would love to see the mullahs gone -- but I also would love to see that younger generation both free and without overwhelming resentment of us. They would be a formidable asset to us and the world if they took power there. Let's be careful not to be manipulated by exile groups. We may choose to strike, but it would be best if it were due to our own analysis, not a response to carefully publicized info from a group with a clear agenda. |
| Posted by: rkb 2005-02-03 4:13:25 PM |
| #3 Where are the carriers? Are any headed in for the next rotation? Though I suppose now there are enough bases in the area to do it without many carriers, which would let the US drop that particular "It's Coming" tipoff. |
| Posted by: Laurence of the Rats 2005-02-03 4:06:04 PM |
| #2 Anybody think the timing (i.e. within 12 hrs of the SOTU address) is a coincidence? |
| Posted by: true nuff 2005-02-03 3:58:50 PM |
| #1 If this can be verified its just the lightening rod Israel needs to take action. I don't see up getting involved with a preemptive strike cause of politics. I do see us giving flyover permission and logistical support in any way to the Israelies. This will up the pucker factor for everyone in the area. |
| Posted by: Yosemite Sam 2005-02-03 3:01:09 PM |