Iran Could Start a Nuclear Arms Race

Iran has started to install advanced centrifuges in its main uranium enrichment plant. According to diplomats, as Reuters reports - this acceleration in activity could give it the means to make atom bombs in future if it chooses.

After an installation pause of several months in the main enrichment plant, Iran has now introduced more than 300 more centrifuges, some of them improved versions and some the earlier model.

Iran’s ambassador to the IAEA told Reuters he was unaware of new progress in the Natanz enrichment bunker, which is ringed by anti-aircraft guns against a feared U.S. bombing.

The Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency, which has inspectors at Natanz, declined comment. A senior diplomat familiar with the IAEA’s Iran mission did not dispute the disclosures but said it remained unclear if Iran could get the upgraded brand of centrifuge to work productively.

Diplomats in Riyadh with excellent access to Saudi decision-makers said an Iranian nuclear weapon frightens the Saudis “to their core” and would compel the Saudis to seek nuclear weapons, - according to AP.

Turkey also would come under pressure to follow suit if Iran builds nuclear weapons in the next decade.

While Turkey and Iran do not see themselves as adversaries, Turkey believes a power balance between them is the primary reason for a peaceful relationship.

Egypt most likely would choose not to respond by pursuing its own nuclear weapons program. The impact on relations with Israel and the United States were cited as the primary reasons.

A U.S. intelligence estimate late last year said Iran worked on nuclear weapons programs until 2003 before abandoning them. However, the intelligence analysts also reported Iran was continuing to enrich uranium, a key weapons component, and possessed the capacity to produce nuclear weapons if it decided to do so.