Iran close to nuclear weapons capability, say scientists

A group of US and Russian scientists have said Iran could produce a simple nuclear device in one to three years, and develop a nuclear warhead in another five years after that.

The EastWest Institute said it brought US and Russian scientists together for the first time to produce a joint threat assessment on Iran’s nuclear and missile potential.

The institute is a nonpartisan organisation focused on global challenges.

The scientists said in a report issued by the institute that Iran is making advances in rocket technology and could develop a ballistic missile capable of firing a 1,000 kilogram nuclear warhead up to 1,200 miles “in perhaps six to eight years”.