Short Wave A Brief History (And Some Science) Of Iran's Nuclear Program
Jan 28, 2020
Geoff Brumfiel, an NPR correspondent specialized in nuclear weapons, dives into the intricate history of Iran's nuclear program. He discusses how U.S. support in the 1950s set the stage for Iran’s ambitions and how the 2015 nuclear deal aimed to contain them. The conversation reveals the diplomatic challenges faced after the U.S. withdrawal from the agreement and explores the implications of Iran's uranium enrichment. Tensions between peaceful intentions and national security concerns are examined, providing a fascinating glimpse into an ongoing geopolitical drama.
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US-Backed Nuclear Program
- Iran's nuclear program began in the 1950s under the Shah, a U.S.-backed dictator.
- The U.S. provided Iran's first nuclear reactor as part of a push for peaceful nuclear energy.
Dual Focus and Accessibility of Nuclear Tech
- Iran pursued both nuclear materials and weapons designs.
- Nuclear bomb technology is relatively old, making the designs accessible.
Material Acquisition Challenge
- Acquiring nuclear material is the harder part of building a bomb, not the design.
- Centrifuges are key for enriching uranium, the process of separating bomb-grade material.
