Another Possibility
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What if Iran already has a bomb, or bombs? Military expert Richard Maybury has suggested that several countries may have nuclear weapons that we don’t know about. There are gaps in records tracking the Soviet Union’s bombs when it dissolved. Some of those bombs may have become available on the black market, where they would have undoubtedly commanded sky-high prices. North Korea or Pakistan, both nuclear powers, might sell bombs at the right price, especially if that price including substantial “commissions” to key officials.
At first blush it may appear farfetched, but even Russia or China could sell bombs to Iran. They are chafing at the US’s unipolar view of the world. Iran would use the bomb under only extreme circumstances, and the Russians or Chinese would undoubtedly extract assurances that an Iranian bomb, if detonated, would blow up in London, Washington, or New York, not Moscow or Beijing. The threat would be clear: a detonation in Russia or China would mean the complete destruction of Iran.
Those who dismisses the Iranian agreement with the argument that Iran will eventually breach it should ponder this question: why would Iran go to all the trouble and expense of secretly developing a nuclear bomb, risking detection and war, if they could simply buy bombs, and, better yet, keep them secret? It would be naive to assert that a black market in nuclear arms is impossible. If Iran were a buyer, the detection risk would be minimal: bombs could be put in ostensibly commercial aircraft, flown from Moscow, Beijing, Pyongyang, or Karachi to Tehran, from which they would be transported to and hidden away in some remote, deeply fortified bunker. The Iranians might not have much, if any, launch capability, but they could surely smuggle bombs into the US or Europe for either nuclear blackmail or outright detonation.
What if Iran already has a bomb, or bombs? Military expert Richard Maybury has suggested that several countries may have nuclear weapons that we don’t know about. There are gaps in records tracking the Soviet Union’s bombs when it dissolved. Some of those bombs may have become available on the black market, where they would have undoubtedly commanded sky-high prices. North Korea or Pakistan, both nuclear powers, might sell bombs at the right price, especially if that price including substantial “commissions” to key officials.
At first blush it may appear farfetched, but even Russia or China could sell bombs to Iran. They are chafing at the US’s unipolar view of the world. Iran would use the bomb under only extreme circumstances, and the Russians or Chinese would undoubtedly extract assurances that an Iranian bomb, if detonated, would blow up in London, Washington, or New York, not Moscow or Beijing. The threat would be clear: a detonation in Russia or China would mean the complete destruction of Iran.
Those who dismisses the Iranian agreement with the argument that Iran will eventually breach it should ponder this question: why would Iran go to all the trouble and expense of secretly developing a nuclear bomb, risking detection and war, if they could simply buy bombs, and, better yet, keep them secret? It would be naive to assert that a black market in nuclear arms is impossible. If Iran were a buyer, the detection risk would be minimal: bombs could be put in ostensibly commercial aircraft, flown from Moscow, Beijing, Pyongyang, or Karachi to Tehran, from which they would be transported to and hidden away in some remote, deeply fortified bunker. The Iranians might not have much, if any, launch capability, but they could surely smuggle bombs into the US or Europe for either nuclear blackmail or outright detonation.
As always a thought provoking examination of the possibilities. A few thoughts: Israel is a small nation and it could be that only one bomb would be necessary for its general annihilation. Considering the rhetoric from Tehran and the radical fearless martyrdom some in power express, is Israel's fear irrational? If Iran is actually not lying about pursuit of peaceful nuclear programs only, then why the secret underground facilities? If they are lying about that how do we trust anything they say or "agree" to? I like Reagan's "trust, but verify" but if there are no spot/unannounced inspections with free unfettered access how do we verify?
Respectfully,
O.A..
The thought of someone selling them the bomb is simultaneously all too plausible and terrifying. What is also troubling to me is that the same arguments for a deal with N.Korea were once held up as a viable approach. Somehow it seems futile to try to get that toothpaste back in the tube...
Regards,
O.A.
If Iran had a few nuclear weapons and they planned to use them as a deterrent, at some point they would tell someone.
I have never believed Iran's argument about wanting nuclear research for peaceful purposes. If they have no plans to build weapons, they would focus on things like software, biotech, nanotech, and non-nuclear alternative energy because they are more profitable and don't make the world as nervous. Nuclear weapons, though, are a magic bullet. Once you have them, you're in the nuclear club and no one messes with you, even if you act like North Korea. The only reason I see to pay the price of having everyone on your case about nuclear research is the possibility you'll get this magic bullet in the future.
I do not know enough about this deal to speculate. I do not believe for a moment that President Obama is influenced in the slightest degree by extremist religious ideology, Shia or otherwise. I do think "domestic political considerations are almost always paramount."
If your speculation is right, will Iran start saber rattling with their handful of nuclear devices?
Thanks again for the article.