Minister of Intelligence & Strategic Affairs (Likud) Dr. Yuval Steinitz warns that Iran can cross the red line regarding its nuclear program in a matter of weeks.

In line with the address made before the United Nations General Assembly in September 2012, Dr. Steinitz feels Iran is moving ahead at a dangerous pace, a pace that far exceeds US intelligence estimates as to when Tehran can build a nuclear bomb. On Tuesday, 3 Tammuz 5773, Steinitz announced the Iranians have already 200kg of 20% enriched uranium and when they reach 250kg, they can rapidly increase that percentage from 20 to 90%, the percentage required to build an atom bomb. Steinitz made his remarks before a forum of members of the foreign press.

He admits that at present Iran has halted enrichment to avoid crossing that red line, but it does continue to increase the number of centrifuges and this will provide new capabilities. He feels Iran will then have an infrastructure capable of producing 30 nuclear devices a year once the green light it given for such a move.

While Steinitz seeks to persuade the international media of the imminent threat facing Israel, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated there is no existential threat against Israel from Iran.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)