UN reports finds country may already have enough for bomb
Financial Times (UK) Nov 20, 08 2:42 AM CST
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Iran is rapidly moving forward with its nuclear program and may already have enriched enough uranium to take the next step toward building a nuclear bomb, the Financial Times reports. The uranium will need more enrichment to reach weapons-grade levels, say UN experts, who believe the country will wait until it has amassed more nuclear material before attempting the "breakthrough."
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That fancy granite may contain more uranium than is good for you
New York Times Jul 24, 08 10:07 AM CDT
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Granite countertops have become exceedingly popular, but few realize the dapper slabs can be radioactive, the New York Times reports. Granite often contains uranium, and reports have been flowing in of “hot” counters giving off higher-than-recommended levels of radon gas. “It’s not that all granite is dangerous,” said one expert. “But I’ve seen a few that might heat up your Cheerios a little.”
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US completes months-long mission to secure material
Associated Press Jul 6, 08 9:53 AM CDT
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A secret US mission to remove 550 metric tons of concentrated uranium known as “yellowcake” from Iraq came to a close yesterday as the material arrived in Canada, AP reports. In an operation that quelled concerns over the yellowcake falling into insurgency hands, 37 flights took the remainder of Saddam Hussein's nuclear program to a British territory in the Indian Ocean before it was shipped 8,500 miles to Montreal.
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Study says formation began 17M years ago; others stick to 5-6M
Washington Post Mar 6, 08 7:56 PM CST
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The Grand Canyon might be three times older than previously thought, the Washington Post reports. A study in Science claims that a river—not the Colorado, but a smaller one—began carving the oldest part of the canyon 17 million years ago. It contends that the canyon-building greatly accelerated 5 or 6 million years ago, which is why most geologists use that time frame as its age.
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Ecuador cuts ties, says slain rebel leader was key in hostage deal
BBC Mar 4, 08 11:35 AM CST
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Colombia has accused Ecuador and Venezuela of cooperating with FARC guerrillas who were trying to buy uranium, the BBC reports, even as Ecuador cut ties with Colombia and Venezuela expelled its diplomats. “FARC is taking big steps in the world of terrorism to become a global aggressor,” said Colombia’s top cop, citing documents found during Saturday’s raid that detailed negotiations for 110 pounds of uranium.
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Tehran a year away
on uranium; separate UN report out today
Der Spiegel Feb 22, 08 9:25 AM CST
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A new report from a European Union agency concludes that Iran could have enough uranium to build an atomic bomb within one year. The EU results—which precede a major UN report coming out today—look nothing like the findings of the US intelligence community, writes Der Spiegel : the recent National Intelligence Estimate said that Iran would be able to obtain enough highly enriched uranium between 2010 and 2015.
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After trip to Kazakhstan, buddy tapped uranium, Bill's charity got $31M
New York Times Jan 31, 08 12:14 PM CST
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Two days after former president Bill Clinton took pal and mining mogul Frank Giustra to meet Kazakhstan's de facto dictator, Giustra landed a monster contract to mine uranium with state-run mining company Kazatomprom, the New York Times reports—despite his firm’s lack of relevant experience. Shortly thereafter, Clinton’s charitable foundation got a $31.3 million check from Giustra.
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Compromise reached on 3rd round to present united front to derail nukes
Los Angeles Times Jan 23, 08 8:17 AM CST
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Six leading world powers have agreed on a draft United Nations resolution for a third round of sanctions against Iran that stop short of the punishing economic measures the US had advocated, the Los Angeles Times reports. The sanctions include some extension of travel and business bans—but in "weakened" language that calls only for voluntary "monitoring" of financial and military institutions, according to the Washington Post.
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Rejects calls to drop uranium enrichment
Reuters Dec 24, 07 11:47 AM CST
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Iran has dismissed calls to drop uranium enrichment and plans 19 new nuclear power plants, Reuters reports. "US officials have talked of negotiations" on the condition that Iran stop the enrichment, "but we do not accept any preconditions for talks," Iran's Foreign Minister said today. The UN Security Council is debating another round of sanctions over Iran's refusal to stop the nuclear activity.
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Says Tehran has promised not to develop weaponry
BBC Dec 17, 07 7:58 AM CST
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Russia delivered nuclear material to Iran yesterday, the BBC reports, ignoring Washington’s protests. Russia says it has assurances that the plutonium will only be used for the nuclear power plant in Bushehr, which is being built by a Russian company, but the US says that spent uranium could be used in weapons development. The plant could be operational within six months.
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First time Iran has made claim
Associated Press Nov 24, 07 5:55 PM CST
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Iran claims to have made nuclear fuel pellets of uranium oxide, a major step in its quest to fuel a heavy water reactor, the AP reports. It also claims to be making pellets for light water reactors, like the one Russia is helping it build on the Persian Gulf coast—a move the US and its allies oppose because it could lead to nuclear weapons.
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US, Europe allies call for penalties after inspectors' report
Reuters Nov 23, 07 5:44 PM CST
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Iran warned today that UN sanctions might bring a halt to its cooperation with nuclear inspectors, Reuters reports. The warning comes a day after Britain, France, and Germany joined the US in calling for such sanctions because a report by international inspectors gave Tehran mixed marks on its openness. "A wait-and-see approach is not an option," said the European allies.
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