Cordesman/Wilner, Iran & The Gulf Military Balance
AHC 6/3/12
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The Data in the IAEA Report of November 8, 2011 The data in some these figures may seem technical and abstract, but the IAEA’s report on Iran’s programs of November 8, 2011 provided the first detailed military annex the IAEA had ever issued on Iran’s programs, and one that included s new indicators that Iran was weaponizing its program, which have been shown from Figure IV.44 through Figure IV.61. Figures IV.44 through Figure IV.61 indicate that Iran has engaged in substantial R&D activities to develop technology that is critical to developing a functional nuclear weapons program. These include the research into and experimentation with detonator technology, multipoint initiators, neutron initiators, exploding bridgewire (EBW), and other technology that has little, if any, use outside of military applications. Moreover, as Figure IV.57 indicates, Iran has “experimentation which would be useful were to Iran to carry out a test of a nuclear explosive device.” While it is impossible to know Iran’s true intentions regarding its nuclear program, these indicators taken with Iran’s refusal to engage the IAEA or the international community substantively on these matters indicate a probable military dimension to the country’s program. Figure IV.58 and Figure IV.59 show, Iran has taken steps to integrate a spherical payload into the existing payload chamber on the re-entry vehicle of the Shahab-3 missile, as well as developed fusing, arming, and firing systems that would give re-entry vehicles an airburst capability, or explode on impact with the Earth’s surface. Lastly, Figure IV.61 reflects the IAEA’s analysis of the likely payload of an Iranian ballistic missile given the developments in the country’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs. While the diagram indicates that an Iranian missile could carry a range of payloads, a nuclear payload is most likely. Although by no means certain, these indicators reflect that Iran likely intends to arm its missiles with nuclear warheads, or achieve the capability to do so. The key focus of each Figure may be summarized as follows:
Figure IV.44 describes Iran’s lack of cooperation with the IAEA regarding heavy water at the Iran Nuclear Research Reactor (IR-40) at Arak. Although the Agency was allowed access to the site on October 17, 2011, it has not been permitted access since then. According to Iran, operation of the IR-40 reactor is due to commence by the end of 2013. Although the Agency has not been permitted access Heavy Water Production Plant (HWPP) since August 17, 2011, satellite imagery has indicated that the HWPP is appears to be in operation. Lastly, to date Iran has not allowed the Agency access to the heavy water stored at the Uranium Conversion Facility (UCF) to take samples.
Figure IV.45 provides a description of the IAEA’s knowledge of the Uranium Conversion Facility (UCF) as of October 18, 2011. It reflects that Iran is continuing enrichment and heavy water production at the site in contravention of international demands and regulations. It indicates that as of October 18, 2011, the Agency observed the ongoing installation of the process equipment for the conversion of UF6 (uranium hexafluoride) enriched to 20% into U3O8 (triuranium octoxide).
Figure IV.46 provides an introduction and summary of the possible military dimensions of Iran’s nuclear program. Importantly, it indicates that Iran has not engaged the IAEA substantively regarding the military dimensions of its program since August 2008, and it stresses the following: I. Efforts, some successful, to procure nuclear related and dual-use equipment and materials by military-related individuals and entities. II. Efforts to develop undeclared pathways for the production of nuclear material.
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