We explore Uranium-235 and the Future of Global Security: Iran’s Nuclear Journey in this paper, the technical difficulties in producing atomic weapons from uranium-235, the utilization of this element, and the continuous mystery regarding Iran’s nuclear aspirations. The narrative links geopolitics, history, and science into a web of world relevance.
Uranium-235: The Fuel for Weapons and Nuclear Power
Uranium-235 (U-235) is fundamental in any nuclear weapon—or even a civilian nuclear reactor. Often called “yellowcake” because of its yellow hue in raw form, U-235 is among the most powerful and energy-dense elements on Earth. In glass containers, exposed to oxygen, it could seem greenish.
Uranium’s unparalleled energy potential makes it known as the “metal of hope.” Though its precise market price is not known, it is regarded as one of the most costly and strictly guarded drugs available worldwide.
Why Is U-235 so Valuable?
Over 99% of natural uranium is uranium-238 (U-238), the form that uranium exists in most naturally. Just roughly 0.7% is U-235, the isotope needed for nuclear fission, though. From every 100 kg of natural uranium, only roughly 700 grams of U-235 may thus be obtained.
U-235 is quite valuable because of its rarity as well as the difficult extraction technique. When enhanced, it can be employed as a devastating weapon; otherwise, it can be used for peaceful purposes—like producing energy.
Method of U-235 Extraction
Gas centrifuge technology lets engineers extract U-235 from U-238. Uranium is first turned into a gaseous form known as uranium hexafluoride (UF6) and then spun rapidly in centrifuge cascades. The somewhat smaller U-235 progressively separates from the heavier U-238 after repeated cycles.
Throughout this process, one must keep a constant, exact speed. Any variation might cause pure U-235 to fail to be isolated, which is essential for materials rated for weapons.
Used in nuclear reactors, low enrichment (sub 5%)
Nuclear weapons depend on exceedingly high enrichment, more than 90%.
From a standpoint of perspective, one kilogram of U-235 explains its great worth and risk by releasing as much energy as 2.7 million kg of coal.
Atomic Bomb and its Effect
An atomic bomb is not just an explosive; it is a form of pollution known as nuclear fallout. If it is detonated on the surface of the Earth, it does not spread widely and affects only a limited area. That is why atomic bombs are usually detonated at a height of 600 meters above the ground using an in-built detonator within the bomb itself. In 1945, the United States launched atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki at the same height of 600 meters.
Launching an atomic bomb is a hazardous act that causes unimaginable destruction. It releases dangerous radiation such as X-rays (about 250 roentgens) and gamma rays (Y-rays). X-rays instantly destroy living tissue and can cause immediate death to anyone exposed. Gamma rays penetrate deep into the body, killing cells and causing death over time. Both forms of radiation are invisible and can lead to genetic mutations that may last for tens of thousands of years.
Story of Nuclear Mystery in Iran
Note: The most important factor in obtaining U-235 is maintaining a constant speed. If the speed is lost, it becomes impossible to isolate pure U-235, which is essential for making an atomic bomb.
Iran also established a nuclear project, but Israel hacked the computer system that controlled the centrifuge cascades. By doing so, Israel disrupted the constant speed required for uranium enrichment, resulting in a loss of purity in Iran’s nuclear program. The main motive behind Israel’s action was to stop Iran’s nuclear development.
Iran is still engaged in developing an atomic bomb. According to internal reports, India had already created an atomic bomb in the 1970s but did not test it at the time due to political considerations and timing. When Atal Bihari Vajpayee became Prime Minister of India, he authorized the country’s first nuclear test.
Russia helped Iran in developing a nuclear bomb as part of its political strategy. Israel and Iran have long been enemies. Israel is known for its powerful defense system, the Iron Dome. Russia supplied Iran with a supersonic missile, and Iran wanted to test whether Israel could defend against it. Therefore, Iran provided this missile to the Houthis in Yemen. Yemen then launched the missile at Israel, and Israel failed to intercept it. This incident created significant tension in the Middle East. Now that both countries reportedly possess atomic bombs, any nuclear exchange between them would repeat the horrors of history—causing thousands of deaths, millions of injuries, and the destruction of homes, families, and communities.
We explore in this paper the technical difficulties in producing atomic weapons from uranium-235, the utilization of this element, and the ongoing mystery surrounding Iran’s nuclear ambitions. The narrative connects geopolitics, history, and science into a globally relevant discussion.
Early Years
Beginning in the 1950s and under the direction of the United States under the Atoms for Peace program, Iran’s nuclear program was established. In 1967, Iran signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) in 1970, therefore pledging to use nuclear energy peacefully under international safeguards.
After Revolution: Developments
Cooperation with the West stopped following the 1979 Iranian Revolution, and Iran covertly continued its nuclear program. The National Council of Resistance of Iran exposed undeclared nuclear activity in 2002, which set off International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) investigations.
The Stuxnet Event
One of the most well-known events was Israel’s cyber strike using the Stuxnet virus against Iran’s nuclear centrifuges. The malware brought technical problems to Iran’s uranium enrichment attempts by varying the centrifuge rotation speed. This underlined Iran’s nuclear development’s major setback as well as the expanding battlefield of cyberwarfare in contemporary geopolitics.
The Increasing Threat of Nuclear Conflict
Given both countries allegedly possessing advanced weapons—including possibly nuclear capabilities—the Middle Eastern fear of a nuclear clash gets more real. Apart from the murder of thousands and devastation of whole towns, such a battle might set off long-term environmental and genetic effects across centuries.
Atomic bombs have already had a terrible influence on history. The world has to consider if we can afford for history to recur.
Recent Advancements
Iran and the United States resumed nuclear talks in Muscat, Oman, in April 2025 The negotiations concentrated on Tehran’s escalating nuclear program’s containment in return for possible sanctions relief. With formal positions traded and toward a potential agreement, both sides said the discussions were more in-depth and serious than past ones. Still, there are notable disparities, especially with relation to Iran’s right to uranium enrichment and the inclusion of missile capabilities in any upcoming agreement.
Finally
Modern international relations still revolve mostly around the existence and enrichment of U-235 as well as its geopolitical consequences. Iran’s nuclear aspirations, cyberwarfare, missile tests, and worldwide alliances all suggest a dangerous mix of science and politics. Iran’s nuclear narrative is not only a national one; it’s a worldwide one that can define either risk or peace for our future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is uranium-235?
Uranium-235 is an isotope used in nuclear reactors and weapons, known for its ability to release vast amounts of energy during fission.
How is uranium-235 extracted?
Uranium-235 is separated from natural uranium through gas centrifugation, where it is spun to isolate the lighter isotope from the heavier one.
Why does Iran want nuclear technology?
Iran claims its nuclear program is for peaceful energy, but there are concerns it may be pursuing nuclear weapons by enriching uranium-235.
What is uranium enrichment?
Uranium enrichment is the process of increasing uranium-235 levels, making it suitable for both nuclear power and the creation of nuclear weapons.
How has Israel responded to Iran’s nuclear program?
Israel has tried to disrupt Iran’s nuclear ambitions through cyberattacks, like the Stuxnet virus, and fears the potential for nuclear weapons in Iran.
What if Iran develops nuclear weapons?
If Iran develops nuclear weapons, it could heighten tensions in the Middle East and pose significant global security risks.
