OPINION:
Iran’s enrichment of uranium at 60% is alarming (“Iran has rejected direct negotiations with the U.S. in response to Trump letter,” Web, March 30). That figure could easily get to 90% — the level needed to build a nuclear weapon — in short order.
Once Tehran has a nuclear weapon, it could conceivably deliver it by plane, making all other planes vulnerable. Delivery by ballistic missile would also be problematic. Launching a ballistic missile creates setback, in which the G-forces push components back. What’s more, most nuclear arms components are sensitive. This is a problem unless China, Russia or North Korea have provided expertise or the hardened components.
We can shoot down ballistic missiles, but we have to be completely successful all the time. And nuclear warheads that land have the potential to contaminate large areas. Hopefully, our intelligence agencies have accurate intel on this so President Trump’s warning might mean that all these hurdles are already overcome.
We cannot allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon. Containing a nuclear-armed Iran would be very difficult. It is time to set aside political bickering. Everyone — Republicans, Democrats, independents, allies and others — must rally around Trump to deal effectively with this issue.
TOM HENION
Stafford, Virginia
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