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Israeli And US Attacks On Iran Reignite Nuclear Alert. Understand Why The Uranium Enrichment Process Causes So Much Concern And What Uranium Enrichment Is
On June 13, Israel launched a series of bombings against military and nuclear targets in Iran. The justification for the attacks came shortly after the release of a report from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which raised suspicions about three undeclared uranium production sites by the Iranian government.
Iran is a signatory to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, which means it committed to not developing such weapons.
Israel, on the other hand, has never signed the agreement but is widely recognized as possessing a nuclear arsenal. The offensive targeted research centers and strategic names linked to the Iranian nuclear program.
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IAEA Report And Iran’s Response
The information that Iran could be developing nuclear weapons quickly reverberated on the international stage.
However, shortly after the document was released, the IAEA director, Rafael Grossi, stated that it is still not possible to confirm whether the country is indeed manufacturing a bomb.
The Iranian government, for its part, denied any military intention and declared that the nuclear program only has civilian purposes, such as energy generation.
Even with the IAEA’s partial clarification, the attacks continued. On Saturday, June 21, the United States joined the offensive and attacked three nuclear facilities on Iranian territory. This escalation worried diplomats and governments around the world.
Ceasefire Attempt Between Israel And Iran
In light of the rising tensions, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire between the two countries.
But the scenario remains unstable. Israel accuses Iran of violating the agreement, and Iran returns the same criticism. Both continue exchanging accusations, and there is a climate of mutual distrust.
Behind the conflict lies the debate over uranium production and enrichment. This process, although essential for civilian purposes, can also be used to manufacture weapons of mass destruction.
What Is Enriched Uranium?
Uranium is a chemical element that occurs naturally on Earth in three forms: U-238, U-235, and U-234. These types are called isotopes, meaning versions of the same element with different masses.
The most common is U-238, which accounts for about 99% of all existing uranium. U-235, being more unstable, represents about 1%.
It is precisely this instability of U-235 that makes it ideal for generating energy. Therefore, scientists have developed a process called enrichment, which serves to artificially increase the presence of this isotope in the material.
How Enrichment Is Done
The first step is to convert uranium into gas. To do this, it is mixed with fluorine, forming uranium hexafluoride.
This gas is placed in a centrifuge that spins at high speed. During the process, the heavier U-238 moves to the edges, while the lighter U-235 concentrates in the center.
Filters with microscopic pores help separate the two isotopes. The result is a more “enriched” uranium, with a higher concentration of U-235, and another “depleted” with less. The more U-235 in the material, the higher the level of radiation it emits.
To achieve 3% enrichment, the level required to generate electricity in nuclear power plants, this process needs to be repeated about 1,400 times.
It is a slow and costly process. Civilian uses allow up to 20% enrichment. Above 85%, it is already possible to create nuclear weapons.
Iranian Stockpiles And UN Alert
According to the UN, Iran has about 400 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60%. This greatly exceeds the recommended limit for civilian applications.
If this amount is raised to 90%, which is necessary for weapons, it could yield up to nine nuclear bombs.
International Monitoring And Other Uses Of Uranium
The IAEA closely monitors the facilities of the treaty signatory countries. Brazil, for example, adhered to the agreement in 1998 and uses enriched uranium only for research and energy generation, such as in the Angra 1 and Angra 2 plants.
Depleted uranium, with little U-235, can also have uses. It is less radioactive but still serves for shielding and high-impact projectiles. Even without fission potential, it can still cause damage.
Open Conflict And Diplomatic Impasse
Despite the ceasefire announcement made by the United States, the crisis between Israel and Iran continues without resolution. The exchange of accusations persists, and the issue of uranium enrichment remains at the center of the impasse. The international community is cautiously watching the next steps of both sides.
With information from Super Interessante.
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