Still quite a bit of time before they reach an 'arsenal' of nuke weapons - whatever number defines an arsenal of nukes - my worry is that the first amounts of weapons grade materials are not intended to be used by Iran them selves. We all know Iran is known to pass weapon technology on to others so they can use it against common enemies (for an example look into the shaped charge roadside bombs that suddenly appeared in Iraq - they are very efficient armoured vehicle killers).

I think the first amounts will serve a dual purpose - as a test of the enrichment practice and weapon manufacture, and proxy attacks that Iran can simply say "weren't us matey!"

Something does need to be done - there is still a fair bit of time though I think, no need to be rash right now.

This doesn't add up to me. Why is it that every time Ahmadinejad has been accused of persuing the bomb, he claims that his nuclear ambitions are are for energy and not for weapons. He has been fairly adamant about it. Even the nuclear inspectors said there is no evidence of them seeking the bomb.

Now he just goes on the air and claims to be enriching uranium hoping for weapons grade material?

Makes no sense to me.

I total agree with you Now_Then. But the question is where and when?

Anyone catch this part? Got it from the AP article:

Ahmadinejad made Tuesday's announcement as he toured the Natanz facility in central Iran. The television also quoted Ahmadinejad as saying that "other activities have been carried out" in Natanz that he would announce later Tuesday.

Other activities? Sounds promising. As I said in another thread, all this comes just hours before Gen Petraeus speaks in Washington. Coincidence?