Nuclear Weapons Program Delayed

Iran’s nuclear program, once thought to have its sights set on producing a bomb by 2000, has run into roadblocks and won’t hit its weapons target until well into the next decade, Israeli and other sources report. “They are going to make it in the end,” a senior Israeli intelligence official said, “but it will be the middle of the next decade.” The delay, the result in part of U.S. pressure on Iran’s nuclear suppliers, could ease international concern that Israel will follow through on threats to attack Iran’s nuclear sites. Iran denies it is developing nuclear arms.