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Iranian foreign relations

Iran May Turn to North Korea for Nuclear Advice: Expert Warning

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

As the conflict between Iran and Israel intensifies, a senior researcher at the Institute of International Relations Prague, Azriel Bermant, has warned that Iran may turn to North Korea for advice in building nuclear weapons at a "secret" location unknown to US and Israeli intelligence. Bermant urged the West to be cautious and not rule out Iran's resolve to develop a nuclear weapon long-term, despite the recent damage done to nuclear facilities.

Key Takeaways:

  • Azriel Bermant, a senior researcher at the Institute of International Relations Prague, warned that Iran may turn to North Korea for advice in building nuclear weapons at a "secret" location unknown to US and Israeli intelligence.
  • Bermant emphasized that the West must be wary of "undeclared" nuclear facilities and not rule out Iran's resolve to develop a nuclear weapon long-term.
  • Iran's nuclear program has been degraded but not destroyed, with estimates suggesting a sizable stash of highly enriched uranium (400 or more kilograms) may be hidden away.
  • Iran could withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, expel nuclear inspectors, and develop a nuclear bomb in secret, making it harder to track their activities.
  • North Korea has established itself as a nuclear nation at the expense of hostile relations with the West, and it is unlikely but not impossible that they could provide assistance to Iran.
  • Russia has come out in support of Iran and condemned the US attacks, while China has a good relationship with Iran but is unlikely to help them develop a nuclear weapon.

Statistics:

  • 400 or more kilograms of highly enriched uranium may be hidden away in Iran (Bermant).
  • Iran's nuclear program has been degraded but not destroyed (Bermant).
  • North Korea has successfully established itself as a nuclear nation at the expense of hostile relations with the West.

Sources:

  • Azriel Bermant in an interview with [publication not specified].
  • Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (KHAMENEI.IR/AFP via Getty Images).
  • KCNA VIA KNS/AFP via Getty Image (Kim Jong-un).
  • Satellite image [c]2025 Maxar Tech (The Isfahan nuclear enrichment facility in central Iran).
  • KHAMENEI.IR/AFP via Getty Image (Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei).

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