Iran can build nuclear bomb in a week, major US claim; Trump concern grows
New York (The Uttam Hindu): Tensions are rising once again in the Middle East after a major claim by US officials regarding Iran’s nuclear capability. US President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff stated that Iran theoretically has the capacity to produce bomb-grade uranium within a week. However, he clarified that it is not confirmed whether Iran currently possesses the required materials, equipment, or an active weapons program.
In an interview with Fox News, Witkoff said Iran may be “perhaps a week away” from producing uranium suitable for nuclear weapons at an industrial level. He described the situation as dangerous and said the United States does not support allowing Iran to continue uranium enrichment.
In June 2025, the United States and Israel reportedly carried out strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities under an operation named Operation Midnight Hammer. The strikes were said to have destroyed around 20,000 centrifuges, disrupted weapons-related activities, and severely damaged three major nuclear sites.
Before these strikes, assessments suggested that Iran could produce weapons-grade uranium in about a week if it chose to do so, though developing a bomb capable of being fitted onto a missile could take an additional three to six months. Earlier estimates had suggested a timeline of around two years, but this period was later believed to have shortened, increasing concerns in Israel.
Currently, US and Israeli assessments indicate that Iran may need at least two years to achieve full nuclear weapons capability. The issue remains a concern for both Washington and the government of Benjamin Netanyahu.
Witkoff said President Trump prefers a “zero enrichment” policy in any agreement with Iran, meaning Tehran should not be allowed to enrich uranium. However, some reports suggest the administration may consider limited enrichment under strict monitoring for civilian purposes.
Meanwhile, protests have intensified inside Iran, with students demonstrating against the Islamic government. Witkoff also mentioned exiled prince Reza Pahlavi, stating that while he cares about his country, Iran’s future will also be influenced by US policies.
According to Arab media reports, monitoring of Hezbollah’s military preparations in Lebanon is now being directly overseen by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. IRGC officials are said to have recently arrived in Lebanon to supervise reconstruction of military structures and strategic planning.
Iran has also designated the naval and air forces of European Union member states as terrorist organizations in response to the European Union declaring the IRGC a terrorist entity.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said his administration remains committed to national unity and resilience and will not yield to external pressure during nuclear negotiations. He urged citizens to remain united.
The statements come amid increased US military deployments in West Asia and two rounds of indirect nuclear talks between Washington and Tehran, focusing on Iran’s nuclear program and potential relief from US sanctions.