A senior U.S. military commander has issued a stark warning that Iran could produce sufficient weapons-grade uranium for a nuclear device in under a week, highlighting escalating concerns over Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.
General Anthony Cotton, head of U.S. Strategic Command, informed the Senate Armed Services Committee that Iran’s “breakout time” the period required to enrich enough uranium for one bomb has dramatically decreased from 10-15 days to potentially less than one week.
This development has raised alarms among U.S. allies, particularly Israel, which lacks the necessary heavy bombers to effectively target Iran’s fortified underground nuclear facilities at Natanz and Fordow. Israeli officials have indicated that U.S. support would be essential for any potential military action against these sites.
In response to Iran’s nuclear advancements, President Donald Trump sent a letter to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, demanding a new nuclear deal within two months and warning of alternative measures if diplomacy fails. While Khamenei dismissed the letter as deceptive, Iran’s UN mission indicated a potential willingness to discuss certain concerns, though rejecting the dismantling of its nuclear program.
U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff emphasized that President Trump’s outreach aims to avoid military conflict, offering Iran a choice between negotiation and potential military action. Despite these diplomatic overtures, the U.S. has reinstated stringent sanctions against Iran, underscoring the urgency of resolving the nuclear issue as Tehran continues to advance its uranium enrichment capabilities.
