Iran halted work on a nuclear weapons program in 2003 and it remains on hold, according to a U.S. intelligence report.
The National Intelligence Estimate, released Monday, assesses that Iran will not be able to produce enough enriched uranium for a nuclear bomb until between 2010 and 2015.
An assessment two years ago had said the Islamic republic was working to build a bomb.
The new findings come as the international community is working to convince Iran to abandon its nuclear energy program. Last month, the International Atomic Energy Agency reported that Iran was operating 3,000 centrifuges to turn uranium into fissile material for nuclear weapons.
The intelligence estimate represents the consensus opinion of all 16 American intelligence agencies. Five years ago it reported what turned out to be flawed information about Iraq’s chemical and biological weapons program that led to the U.S. congressional authorization to invade Iraq..
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.