Economist Podcasts Fission expedition: nuclear-site attack in Iran
Apr 13, 2021
Roger McShane, Middle East editor for The Economist, discusses the fallout from a sabotage incident at an Iranian nuclear site, linking it to Israel and the challenges facing America's nuclear diplomacy. Matt Steinglass, Europe correspondent, dives into the growing pressures on European public broadcasters from populist movements aiming to erode media independence. They also explore Latvia's ancient Dainas folk poems, highlighting the cultural significance and translation hurdles. The conversation blends sharp analysis with intriguing cultural insights.
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Natanz Incident
- Iran restarted advanced centrifuges at its Natanz facility, escalating nuclear ambitions.
- An apparent act of sabotage halted operations, with Iran blaming Israel.
Likely Culprit
- An explosive device likely smuggled into Natanz and detonated remotely caused the sabotage.
- Israel is suspected, given similar past actions and unofficial comments from officials.
Timing of the Attack
- Iran brought centrifuges back online a day before the attack after last summer's incident.
- This timing, coupled with Iran enriching uranium beyond the deal's limits, motivated Israel.