ATTENTION!

This SITREP addresses what it takes to build one and readers can then speculate whether Iran had one or not.

That said (and let’s face it), this war between IS & IR is as much or more about regime change as it is about destroying IR’s ability to possess a NUC.

First, the time to build a NUC bomb after highly uranium enrichment (HEU) depends on several factors, including the level of enrichment, the design of the weapon, technical expertise, and available resources (ALL OF WHICH IRAN HAD). 

Here's a breakdown:

For a simple fission bomb, like what’s referred to as a "gun-type" design, HEU with at least 90% uranium-235 is typically required. If the uranium is already enriched to this level, the enrichment step is complete. My judgement is the Israelis assessed that Iran was likely at that level of enrichment and could not risk further development of a NUCLEAR BOMB.

For a sophisticated state like Iran was, with enough HEU, technical know-how, and pre-existing infrastructure, a basic gun-type bomb (think WWII Little Boy or Fat Man) can be assembled in weeks. Essentially, the design of bombs like these is simpler, requiring less sophisticated engineering. And testing can be conducted deep underground. 

Some “experts” will argue Fat Man is more complex (that's true). Overcoming this requires precise engineering of components like the neutron initiator and explosive lenses (Iran likely has (or had) access to these type technical components).

What’s Next (Steps post enrichment):

1. Material Fabrication: Shaping the HEU into the required form (e.g., a core or pit), which only takes days to weeks with proper equipment.
2. Component Manufacturing: Building other parts like the tamper, reflector, and detonators. This could take weeks to months, depending on the design and available technology (Iran was reported to be working on these for years). The sophistication of their ballistic missile capability allowed this type of technical testing & development.
3. Assembly and Testing: Integrating components and ensuring functionality. For a gun-type bomb, this is straightforward (days to weeks). For an implosion design, precision testing and machining could extend the timeline significantly (months).

This above analysis assumes no major obstacles (like having your nuclear, engineering, and technical support facilities decimated by a severe Israeli bombing campaign).

Other obstacles are political, logistical, or internal security constraints. All could extend timelines significantly.

Additionally, some types of more modern nuclear weapons often involve more complex designs, and require further time for development and testing.

AND, the deranged Iranian regime could care less about rules and norms or international law (or development & testing protocols of the IAEA for instance). They were already sponsoring terrorism globally (never mind in their own region).

Bottom Line: Everyone that has been paying attention knows Iran has long wanted a NUC, they worked toward achieving one, they were very close, and as the leading nation for state sponsor of terrorism around the world, Iran could NEVER be allowed to possess a NUC. The regime said they wanted to annihilate Israel off the map!!

That said, the problem isn't Israel, the problem is the tyrannical Iranian regime that has a death wish for its own people, its neighbors and anyone else who doesn’t believe in its way of life. The current Iran regime represents a global problem for all humanity. I support and will pray for Israel and the people of Iran.

Take a listen to this video from early 2017. Trump has been correct in his belief about no NUCs for Iran for a long time.