Global General

Iran has enough low-enriched uranium for two weapons: CIA chief

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-06-28 00:17

WASHINGTON -- The director of the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) said on Sunday that Iran has enough low-enriched uranium for two nuclear weapons and it could have a bomb in two years.

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In Iran, "there is a continuing debate right now about whether or not they ought to proceed with a bomb. But they clearly are developing their nuclear capability and that raises concerns," CIA Director Leon Panetta said on ABC network's "This Week" program.

"We think they have enough low-enriched uranium right now for two weapons," the CIA chief said. "They do have to enrich it fully to get there. And we would estimate if they made that decision, it probably would take a year to get there. Probably take another year to develop the kind of weapon delivery system in order to make that viable," Panetta said on the program.

The US is stepping up pressure on Iran due to its suspect nuclear program. On June 16, US Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner announced that its government will extend sanctions on more Iranian individuals and firms.