Currently, for example, it is assessing "Iran's stated need or application for the development of
exploding bridge wire detonators," which can be used to set off the conventional explosives in a nuclear bomb.
Heinonen and his American handlers exploited the fact that Iran had publicly acknowledged redesigning the Shahab-3 missile and development of an
exploding bridge wire (EBW).
After years of what the West saw as Iranian stonewalling, Iran as a first step in May gave the IAEA information it had requested about Tehran's reasons for developing
exploding bridge wire detonators.
Exploding Bridge Wire (EBW) detonators can be used, among other things, to set off an atomic explosive device.
"Iran has engaged with the Agency substantively, including in the clarification of issues related to the use of
exploding bridge wire detonators," Amano said.
Some progress was made last year when Iran promised to clarify its use of
Exploding Bridge Wire detonators, devices which could theoretically be used in an atomic bomb but which also have a range of other uses.
"As a step in this direction, we expect Iran to fulfill its commitment under the Framework by providing all information related to its work on
Exploding Bridge Wire detonators the Agency needs to begin addressing the international community's concerns about Iran's program.
Tehran also gave explanations about the so-called
exploding bridge wire detonators, the IAEA said.
Johnston invented the
Exploding Bridge Wire Detonator, which enabled uniform timing of the detonating implosion at 32 points within 0.1 microseconds.
According to the IAEA report, Iran has provided additional clarification about its work on so-called
exploding bridge wire detonators.
He said the IAEA and Iran are now discussing two issues: Tehran's alleged tests of high explosives that could be used to detonate a nuclear charge-called
exploding bridge wire detonators--and claims that it modeled a nuclear warhead from uranium metal.