Public Comment

The proposed Iran Nuclear Deal should go forward notwithstanding opposition from Israel and Saudi Arabia. 

There is a general consensus from a wide range of scientific experts that a deal would increase the time it would take Iran to amass enough bomb-grade uranium for one bomb from the current two months to at least 12 months. 

The agreement will require Iran to disconnect and remove some 14,000 centrifuges and put them under the control of the International Atomic Energy Agency. Only 5,060 first-generation machines would be allowed to enrich uranium to low levels. Some critics argue that Iran could immediately reassemble, reinstall and recalibrate the excess centrifuges — but it would take many months, if not years, to achieve such a goal. Moreover, inspectors would immediately detect any such illegal activity. 

Under the terms of the agreement, Iran must reduce its current stockpile of 8,700 kilograms of low-enriched uranium to no more than 300 kilograms. 

If no agreement is reached there is little doubt that Iran would accelerate its nuclear bomb making capabilities. 

Finally, the US should demand that Israel stop being so coy and reveal their own huge stockpile of nuclear weapons. Israel should follow Iran’s example and sign the NPT (Non-Proliferation Treaty).