There seem to be so many brinks out there right now — y’know, “brinks” as in the extreme edges of geopolitical cliffs — that, if we’re not careful, we’re liable to trip and accidentally fall into some catastrophic abyss.
Good call, Steven. You could be right about the Plutonium. I completely forgot about the Russian-built reactor Iran has. Apparently, Pu-239 is not readily extracted from that type of reactor, but Iran could have woven some after-market trickery into the back end (and probably has). As for the bomb-making potential of Pu-239, it still requires a high percentage of the fissile isotopes. Apparently, when it comes out of the reactor, at most it's around 70% pure. A quick dive into the sources says the fissile isotopes would have to be in excess of 93%.
At the very least, Iran has more than what's needed for a dirty bomb. Heck, with their access to suicide bombers, they could sow panic throughout the Jewish sectors of Jerusalem and the various areas such as Tel Aviv. No need for major bombs, but could really mess up a small country. Heck of a time cleaning that up.
Common lore says that 90% enrichment of U-235 is "weapons grade." However, "Little Boy," in 1945 was considerably less. Around 50-60% ish. Wasn't a really good bomb, as nukes go today, but it worked. Made a heck of a mess. But, one other problem that I've never seen addressed: what about their plutonium? Surely they're harvesting that from their reactors, too. Pu-239 makes bombs.
Good call, Steven. You could be right about the Plutonium. I completely forgot about the Russian-built reactor Iran has. Apparently, Pu-239 is not readily extracted from that type of reactor, but Iran could have woven some after-market trickery into the back end (and probably has). As for the bomb-making potential of Pu-239, it still requires a high percentage of the fissile isotopes. Apparently, when it comes out of the reactor, at most it's around 70% pure. A quick dive into the sources says the fissile isotopes would have to be in excess of 93%.
At the very least, Iran has more than what's needed for a dirty bomb. Heck, with their access to suicide bombers, they could sow panic throughout the Jewish sectors of Jerusalem and the various areas such as Tel Aviv. No need for major bombs, but could really mess up a small country. Heck of a time cleaning that up.
Common lore says that 90% enrichment of U-235 is "weapons grade." However, "Little Boy," in 1945 was considerably less. Around 50-60% ish. Wasn't a really good bomb, as nukes go today, but it worked. Made a heck of a mess. But, one other problem that I've never seen addressed: what about their plutonium? Surely they're harvesting that from their reactors, too. Pu-239 makes bombs.
Excellent summary, David. Well done. Panda.
Love the sound of dry wit in the morning.
Love your books David, ive read most of them.
I can't believe your conclusion. Maybe you know something a lot of people don't
😜😂