Is this the "smoking gun" to Iran`s nuke program?

Confidential intelligence documents obtained by The Times Online show that Iran is working on testing a key final component of a nuclear bomb. (Click here for full english transalation - The Times Online)

The documents, purportedly from Iran’s most sensitive military nuclear project, describe a four-year plan to test a neutron initiator, the component of a nuclear bomb that triggers an explosion. Foreign intelligence agencies date them to early 2007, four years after Iran was thought to have suspended its weapons program.

The technical document describes the use of a neutron source, uranium deuteride, which have no possible civilian or military use other than in a nuclear weapon. Uranium deuteride is the material used in Pakistan’s bomb, from where Iran obtained its blueprint. The technical document describes the use of a neutron source, uranium deuteride, which independent experts confirm has no possible civilian or military use other than in a nuclear weapon. Uranium deuteride is the material used in Pakistan’s bomb, from where Iran obtained its blueprint.

The documents detail a plan for tests to determine whether the device works — without detonating an explosion leaving traces of uranium detectable by the outside world. If such traces were found, the IAEA and the international world would have surely taken that as irreversible evidence of Iran’s intention to become a nuclear-armed power.

The documents have been seen by intelligence agencies from several Western countries, including Britain. A senior source at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that they had been passed to the UN’s nuclear watchdog.

This revelation coincides with growing international concern about Iran’s nuclear program. Tehran insisting it wants to build a civilian nuclear industry to generate power, but critics suspect that the regime is intent on diverting the technology to build an atomic bomb.
In September, Iran was forced to admit that it was constructing a secret uranium enrichment facility near the city of Qom. President Ahmadinejad then claimed that he wanted to build ten such sites. Over the weekend Manouchehr Mottaki, the Iranian Foreign Minister, said that Iran needed up to 15 nuclear power plants to meet its energy needs, despite the country’s huge oil and gas reserves.

The publication of the documents will increase pressure for tougher UN sanctions against Iran, which are due to be discussed this week. But the latest leaks in a long series of allegations against Iran will also be seized on by hawks in Israel and the US, who support a pre-emptive strike against Iranian nuclear facilities before the country can build its first warhead.

The fall out would be explosive on all fronts, especially if it proves Iran has been actively working on the bomb after 2003, if the four-year plan was followed through. Mark Fitzpatrick,

senior fellow for non-proliferation at the International Institute for Strategic Studies in London said, "Is this the smoking gun?" Thats the queston we should all be asking ourselves.

Related Links:
Leaked Memo identifies man at head of Iranian nuclear program
Discovery of UD3 raises fears over Iran`s nuclear intentions