Iran successfully simulates nuclear warhead detonation - report

DEBKAfile Special Report ^ | December 4, 2009, 10:14 AM (GMT+02:00) | Unknown

[Redbird1564]

German intelligence reports that Iranian scientists have successfully simulated the detonation of a nuclear warhead in laboratory conditions, in an effort to sidestep an underground nuclear test like the one that brought the world down on North Korea's head earlier this year.

[Redbird1564]

I don't think it will be long now before Israeli and American jets are in the skies of Iran. We all know how unlikely it is that the Russians and Chinese will back any sanctions that could potentially bring Iran to its knees.

[Vaquero]

I just simualted a personal gas discharge on the face of the TOTUS....

I used a real personal gas discharge against a photoshopped picture of the TOTUS made up like the JOKER....

“Why so smelly, Soetoro?”

[agere_contra]

Israel should simulate an attack on Iran.

Using real bombs.

[sr4402]

You don't think the press would embarrass him, by asking him why he let this happen do you. If they collectively did that it might be too big of a pant load.

[Habibi]

I rather enjoy reading Debka. Now understand that there’s a significant amount of BS printed there as well, but it is an interesting pub.

As to whether the Iranians have successfully “simulated” an implosion device, we’ll see. They may have set off some conventional explosives, and called it successful. Any time the Iranians claim a technological achievement, my BS meter goes off. Consider that most, if not all, of their military stuff is purchased from the Ruskies. Their defense technology is definitely not of the homegrown variety. I suspect that the “brains” behind their whole nuclear effort is Ruskie techs, with perhaps a bit of Nork hardware thrown into the mix.

In short, an gun type device is simple compared to an implosion device. None of these third world countries have set off a device with any appreciable yield at all. They’re nukes, but they are so poorly engineered that it’s virtually a waste of fissionable material.

Now, could they do a gun device? Sure, if they have enough material for it. Would it be a usable device? Maybe, if they could get it out of the “lab device” status. Shooting a lab nuke is quite different than actually fielding one that could be used in a military engagement.

The draw of an implosion device is that it does not require as much fissionable material to make. You really have to know your stuff if you want it to do much more than “cook off”. I really don’t believe the Iranians have the ability to go the implosion route.

It’s still worth the trouble to blow their production facilities. Eventually they’ll have enough stuff for the simple/reliable gun device. It’s just best to take the fire away when you’re dealing with a destructive child.

[hoagy62]

Okay...I don’t care who you are...that there was FUNNY!

[SunkenCiv]

Debka.