Experts Warn of Iran's Potential Plutonium-Based Nuclear Weapons Program

Concerns are mounting over Iran's potential to develop nuclear weapons using plutonium, a development that could lead to economic repercussions such as financial market volatility. Experts emphasize the urgent need to prevent Iran's nuclear weapons development, specifically voicing concerns about a potential 'blind spot' in plutonium-based nuclear weapons development while focus has solely been on uranium enrichment facilities.

Jason Brodsky, Policy Director of the U.S.-based NGO 'United Against Nuclear Iran' (UANI), stated that any agreement with Iran must close the pathway to developing nuclear weapons via plutonium. He argued that intelligence suggesting Iran's attempts to rebuild its Arak heavy water reactor facility underscore the necessity of including a ban on the plutonium route in any agreement.

Sokolsky stated in an April op-ed that Iran already possesses enough plutonium to produce more than 200 nuclear bombs. He analyzed that the last date IAEA inspectors visited the Bushehr reactor was August 27, 2025, and even then, inspections occurred every 90 days, providing ample time to divert spent nuclear fuel for weapons manufacturing. He added that Iran did not permit inspections despite IAEA requests during the previous Obama administration.

To date, reports from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have not specifically addressed the potential for nuclear weapons development via the plutonium route. A U.S. State Department spokesperson stated, 'Iran's nuclear program is a threat to the United States and the world.'

Experts urge close monitoring of Iran's nuclear program, particularly its potential for developing nuclear weapons using plutonium, and call for international community action. They pointed out that when forging new agreements, it is crucial to block all potential pathways, including the plutonium route, moving beyond the past focus on uranium enrichment facilities. Such international security issues can increase geopolitical risks and potentially impact financial markets, including stock markets.