The New Statesman | UK politics and culture Welcome to the new nuclear age
Jun 25, 2025
Ankit Panda, a Stanton Senior Fellow in the Nuclear Policy Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, delves into the complexities of nuclear proliferation. He discusses Iran's ambitions in nuclear development and the skepticism surrounding nuclear diplomacy stemming from historical events. Panda also examines how the resurgent focus on nuclear arms by various nations, including South Korea, shapes international relations and security. The conversation highlights the urgent need for effective non-proliferation efforts in an increasingly unstable world.
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Bombing's Limited Strategic Impact
- Bombing Iran's nuclear sites likely damaged centrifuges but did not eliminate Iran's nuclear capabilities.
- The strategic challenge of Iran's nuclear ambitions remains despite tactical airstrike effects.
Iran Protects Key Nuclear Materials
- Iran likely moved its highly enriched uranium stockpile to hidden sites to protect it from strikes.
- The loss of a uranium conversion facility further complicates Iran's nuclear program rebuilding efforts.
Timeline for Iran's Possible Nuclear Device
- Iran could build a nuclear explosive device within about a year if politically decided.
- Delivering a credible nuclear deterrent requires far more weapons and integration beyond a single test device.
