How much uranium does Iran have?Image Credit source: Getty Images
us President Donald Trump Has once again said that if an agreement is reached between Iran and America, then both the countries will together destroy the enriched uranium present in Iran. Trump also says that he is firm on his resolve not to allow Iran to develop nuclear weapons. Trump has said that if for some reason an agreement is not reached, he can also consider the option of taking possession of the enriched uranium available in Iran.
Let us know with this excuse that how much enriched uranium does Iran have? How much uranium is required to make an atomic bomb?
How much uranium is needed for an atomic bomb?
In general, a nuclear bomb requires a lot of enriched uranium. It is called highly enriched uranium. Weapons-grade uranium typically contains about 90 percent U-235. This is the same part which plays an important role in nuclear energy and explosion. According to public expert estimates, about 25 kg of weapons-grade uranium is considered the critical quantity for a nuclear weapon. But just having uranium is not enough. To make a weapon, much more complex technology is required. This includes aspects like design, assembly, testing capability and delivery system. That is why uranium reserves can be a sign of danger. But, it is not a ready bomb on its own.
What is enriched uranium?
Natural uranium is not directly used in nuclear weapons. The quantity of U-235 in it is very less. The process of increasing it is called enrichment. Low enriched uranium can be used in power plants. Usually 3 to 5 percent enrichment is considered for civilian use. 20 percent enrichment is considered a big level. 60 percent enrichment is a very serious level. Around 90 percent of it is called weapons-grade. This is the reason why the world’s concern over 60 percent enriched uranium increases. Because it is not considered too far from weapons-grade level.
How much uranium does Iran have?
If current public reports are to be believed, Iran is said to have about 440 to 450 kg of 60 percent enriched uranium. BBC Hindi has quoted American officials as saying that Iran has about 440 kg of 60 percent enriched uranium. In the same report it has also been said that Iran has about 10 quintals of 20 percent enriched uranium and about 8.50 quintals of low level enriched uranium. These figures are important because the stock of 60 percent creates the most concern. It is not weapons-grade yet.
But it is seen as a serious threat in international politics. Some experts say that if this material is further enriched, it could be sufficient for many nuclear weapons. But this is based on conditions. Materials alone do not make a weapon.
Why is Trump angry?
Donald Trump has long been critical of Iran’s nuclear program. During his first term in office in 2018, America withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal. That agreement was signed in 2015. Under this, limits were imposed on Iran’s enrichment level and uranium reserves. Under the agreement, Iran was not allowed to enrich more than 3.67 percent. The limit of its uranium reserves was also fixed. Trump believed that this agreement was weak.
He said that Iran could benefit from this in the long run. That is why America walked out of the agreement. Now Trump is again keeping a strict eye on Iran’s uranium reserves. Their concern is that Iran could make military use of this stockpile.
What does Iran say?
Iran constantly says that it is not making a nuclear bomb. Nuclear energy is his right. Iran also says that western countries adopt a dual attitude towards it. Tehran claims that it wants to work under international rules, but America and Israel do not trust Iran. They say that Iran had hidden many activities earlier. Therefore it is necessary to investigate his claims.
Why is this issue important for the world?
This is not just a dispute between Iran and America. This is a question related to the security of the entire world. If Iran gets closer to nuclear weapons, tension in the Middle East may increase. Israel considers this a big threat to itself. Saudi Arabia and other regional countries may also become restless. This could start an arms race. If one country increases nuclear capacity, other countries can also do the same. This situation will be dangerous for the world. Because nuclear weapons are not like any normal weapon. Their impact can last for generations.
Impact on oil and economy
The issue of Iran is also related to the energy market. The Middle East is a major center of world oil trade. If the conflict between Iran and America increases, oil prices may increase. Danger may also increase on the Strait of Hormuz. This route is very important for the world oil trade. It can also affect countries like India. If crude oil prices increase, petrol and diesel may become expensive. Inflation may also increase.
Is there any solution?
Solution is possible only through dialogue. Iran will have to assure that its program is peaceful. International monitoring is necessary for this. America and European countries will also have to find a way in which Iran’s security concerns are understood. Also, the threat of nuclear weapons should be stopped. There is also discussion in some reports that Iran’s enriched uranium can be kept in a third country under international monitoring. Such measures can reduce stress. But for this trust is necessary.
Iran’s uranium dispute is extremely sensitive. About 25 kg of weapons-grade uranium is considered a critical quantity for a nuclear weapon. Iran is said to have about 440 kg of 60 percent enriched uranium. This is why Trump and western countries are worried. This material is not yet a ready bomb, but it is considered a big sign in the direction of nuclear weapons. The best path for the world is not war. The best way forward is strict monitoring and serious negotiations. Because the solution to the nuclear crisis does not come from force, but from wisdom.
