The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has estimated that Iran is now having 440.9 kg (972 pounds) of enriched uranium of 60% purity. Although this is less than weapons-grade of 90, it is still huge as enrichment may proceed further to enable the generation of several nuclear weapons in theory. The IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi stressed that the possession of such material does not necessarily mean that one has a nuclear weapon, yet it is an indicator of the possibility of escalation in case the process of enrichment goes on.
What Is A Dirty Bomb? Is It More Powerful Than A Nuclear Bomb?
A radioactive dispersal device (RDD) or dirty bomb is a mixture of conventional explosives and radioactive substances. A dirty bomb does not spread contamination to a large level like a nuclear bomb which results in the release of energy that is millions of times more forceful. Though it will not lead to mass casualties, the explosion can result in a high level of panic, contamination of property, and costly decontamination costs. Radioactive sources may be stuffed into explosives and transported by cars, drones, and missiles, which is why dirty bombs are called weapons of mass disruption. It has a psychological and economic impact more than outright mass destruction, and to date one has not been reported to have been used in war by any nation or non state actor.
Is Iran Going To Use It To Attack US-Israel?
Is it possible that Iran will be able to design such a device with the current stockpile? Studying theory, any country possessing enough radioactive material, access to explosives, and the knowledge to do it could be the one to attempt it. Nevertheless, the risk is deemed by experts to be very minimal because the use of a dirty bomb would amount to a direct provocation against the nuclear-armed countries, such as the United States and Israel, which would easily respond with mass retaliation. Although the presence of enriched uranium in Iran is a concern to its fear, and it also contributes to the geopolitical level of tension, it is widely considered by analysts that any dirty bomb attack is a far fetched possibility, and more likely tools in any scenario of escalation are traditional military, political, and diplomatic pressure.
US-Iran-Israel War Latest News
The ongoing war has intensified Iranian threats which have seen it threaten to shut down the strategically located Strait of Hormuz completely in case the United States fulfils its threats to attack its power plants. The threat follows the ultimatum given by the US President Donald Trump to Tehran requiring it to open the important oil transport line or else its energy infrastructure would be attacked. Iranian officials added that any such attack would lead to far-reaching retaliation, including attacks on regional energy and water stations that would escalate the already volatile conflict considerably. The threats between Tehran and Washington have left the region on the verge of a larger conflict with both sides indicating willingness to extend the conflict. The possible shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz which is a major part of the oil deliveries to the world has caused apprehension on a large scale energy crunch and disruption of the world economy. Analysts warn that any sustained blockading or attacks on energy installations would lead to oil prices soaring and disrupting the markets across the globe. With the fourth week of the war underway, diplomatic actions are not much, and the circumstances are changing at an extremely high pace, prompting concern about the potential geopolitical and economic implications in the long term.
Also Read: Is IRGC In Charge Of Iran Now? Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei Remains Out Of Public Sight As CIA And Mossad Continue Their Search
