NEW YORK: Iran’s nuclear potential has been “vastly understated,” Jarrow L. Rogovin argued in a July 9 opinion article published by the Jewish News Syndicate.
Rogovin wrote that Iran could have enough nuclear material for “at least 35 nukes,” citing what he described as overlooked 20% and 5% enriched material.
The article argued that public discussion focuses too narrowly on Iran’s higher-enriched stockpiles.
Rogovin said analysts should also account for lower-enriched uranium when assessing Tehran’s nuclear capacity.
Rogovin called for Iran to have no access to nuclear material except imported material for medical uses.
He also argued that US policy should target Iran’s government, not only its nuclear program.
The opinion piece went further by calling for the United States to “vet, arm and train a domestic insurgency” inside Iran.
The claim appeared in an opinion article, not an official US policy statement. The Jewish News Syndicate published the article under Rogovin’s byline.
Rogovin as founder and former chief executive of Jarrow Formulas, Inc., a Los Angeles-based dietary supplement company.
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The article comes as Iran’s nuclear program remains a focus of international diplomacy, sanctions and security debate.
Western governments have long raised concerns over Iran’s enrichment activities, while Tehran has said its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.