Yes, it is how it works. It takes a decade or more of extreme effort to make an atomic weapon. You need LOTS of "parts" like scientists, technicians, infrastructure & materials. Losing one "piece" can set the program back by years.
Every step of the process is VERY obvious to outside observers. You cannot build structures housing thousands of centrifuges & keep them hidden. You cannot build a breeder reactor in secret, they kind of stand out, eh?
But also yes! If Iran went right back to it? They could reach this point again in just a few years & "reminding them" with MOABs may be required.
Is that point "weeks away" or months or years? Doesn't matter, they could get back a lot faster than getting there took because, like you say, we cannot destroy EVERYTHING required: just the hardest to get parts.
Yes, it is how it works. It takes a decade or more of extreme effort to make an atomic weapon. You need LOTS of "parts" like scientists, technicians, infrastructure & materials. Losing one "piece" can set the program back by years.
Every step of the process is VERY obvious to outside observers. You cannot build structures housing thousands of centrifuges & keep them hidden. You cannot build a breeder reactor in secret, they kind of stand out, eh?
But also yes! If Iran went right back to it? They could reach this point again in just a few years & "reminding them" with MOABs may be required.
Is that point "weeks away" or months or years? Doesn't matter, they could get back a lot faster than getting there took because, like you say, we cannot destroy EVERYTHING required: just the hardest to get parts.