Iran Could Declare Itself a Nuclear Weapons State by End of 2024, Warns US Congressman
Key Points
- Mike Turner, Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, raised concerns about Iran's nuclear capabilities.
- Turner believes Iran could declare itself a nuclear weapons state by the end of 2024.
- Iran has been accused of violating the terms of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
Background
Iran has been embroiled in a decades-long dispute over its nuclear program. The country insists that its nuclear activities are solely for peaceful purposes, but Western powers have long suspected that Iran is seeking to develop nuclear weapons.
In 2015, Iran reached an agreement with six world powers, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which placed restrictions on Iran's nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief.
However, the JCPOA has been strained in recent years, with the United States withdrawing from the agreement in 2018 and Iran subsequently violating its terms.
Turner's Concerns
In an interview with Face the Nation, Turner expressed his concerns about Iran's nuclear progress.
"I think we're looking at the potential of Iran declaring itself a nuclear weapons state by the end of '24," Turner said.
Turner based his assessment on the fact that Iran has already enriched uranium to 60% purity, which is a significant step towards nuclear weapons production.
Potential Consequences
If Iran were to declare itself a nuclear weapons state, it would have major implications for the region and the world.
It could trigger a nuclear arms race in the Middle East, and it could also increase the risk of conflict between Iran and its regional rivals, such as Israel.
US Response
The United States has warned Iran against declaring itself a nuclear weapons state.
White House spokesperson John Kirby said Monday that the US is "watching very closely" Iran's nuclear activities.
"We have made it clear that we will not allow Iran to acquire a nuclear weapon," Kirby said.
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