Iran was part of the nuclear weapons proliferation ring of A.Q. Khan, father of the Pakistani bomb. Several Countries, including North Korea, were sharing technology and emphasizing different components of the total program. Pakistanis have proven designs and a fleet of warheads deployed, and a long common border with Iran across which smuggling of “stolen” items can occur. Iran also hosts senior alQueda leaders who are otherwise perhaps most comfortable and secure in Pakistan.
Apparently, lots of Iranian Gov’t types travel to N. Korea, and North Korea can and does conduct live nuclear weapon tests. They could probably do a few for a friend if the price is right, and they need oil../p>
Bottom Line: Iran may not have to make everything homegrown to breakout with deployable weapons. The fissionable material is a highly accountable commodity though.
You brought up a thought would like to share and/or ask of you an opinion. n.korea is a type of incubator where the lights are out all day and all night. Those in n.korea have adjusted and have had years to perfect a method of life without electrical conveniences many societies and cultures have enjoyed. To some extent other nations also have sections of their nations in the dark during day and night. Are there implications, where if the lights would go out for the civilized world, those people who have lived in the dark could be deployed for certain purposes? After thinking further, am wondering if china is doing this for preparation purposes, sinister in nature. Those who have experience, in the dark, would be most useful in a world gone dark (a personal opinion). Any thoughts?