Nuclear Iran

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Iran's nuclear program has sparked significant controversy since the International Atomic Energy Agency revealed in 2003 that Iran was secretly pursuing enrichment activities. While Iranian officials claim their program is peaceful, skepticism persists in the international community, with some arguing that it poses the greatest nuclear proliferation threat today. This book guides readers through the complex science and secrecy surrounding Iran's nuclear ambitions. Jeremy Bernstein, a physicist, clarifies the scientific principles and technical challenges involved in developing nuclear reactors and weapons. He covers topics from fission physics to isotope separation and the technologies needed to weaponize fissile uranium and plutonium. The media has extensively covered Iran's construction of centrifuges for producing weapons-grade uranium, and Bernstein explains their intricate workings. He also weaves in human stories, such as the invention of centrifuges by German war prisoners in the Soviet Union. The book highlights the controversial underground uranium-enrichment facility in Natanz and the heavy water reactor in Arak, while profiling key figures in the international weapons technology trade, including Pakistani physicist A. Q. Khan. This concise work is essential for anyone seeking to grasp the science behind the international crisis surrounding Iran's nuclear program.