Experts warn Trump admin any Iran deal must block plutonium path to atomic bomb

Key Points:

• Nuclear experts warn the Trump administration to include a ban on Iran’s plutonium pathway in any new nuclear deal, as Tehran could covertly develop plutonium-based nuclear weapons despite focus on uranium facilities.
• Iran’s Bushehr nuclear reactor’s spent fuel contains plutonium that could potentially be used for atomic bombs, prompting calls for near-real-time monitoring and strict surveillance to prevent diversion.
• Some experts, including physicist David Albright, express skepticism about Iran’s ability or intent to weaponize plutonium from Bushehr due to technical and political challenges, while others emphasize the need to outlaw plutonium reprocessing entirely.
• The U.S. State Department reiterates that Iran’s nuclear program threatens global security and urges serious diplomatic engagement, highlighting Iran’s failure to fully cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
• Russia has supported inspections at Bushehr after Israeli strikes, acknowledging risks, but Iran would face significant obstacles in developing plutonium-based weapons, including acquiring reprocessing technology and handling complex fuel conversion.