Satellite images show Iran has started operations at its heavy-water production plant in Arak — a strong sign that the nation has taken yet another step in its quest for nuclear-weapons development.
Heavy water is necessary for the operation of a nuclear reactor that can produce plutonium, Ynet News explains. And plutonium can be used to make a bomb.
British media has published the satellite images that were snapped earlier this month, Ynet said. The plant is located 150 miles outside Tehran. One of the images showed a cloud of steam coming from the plant — a near-sure sign that heavy water is being produced, according to Ynet.
Other images show that the plant is heavily secured. Numerous anti-aircraft missiles and artillery equipment can be seen at the site, Ynet said.
© Copyright 2013 The Washington Times, LLC. Click here for reprint permission.
Cheryl Chumley is a continuous news writer for The Washington Times. Previously, she was part of the start-up team for The Washington Times’ digital aggregation product, Times247. She’s also a 2008-2009 Robert Novak journalism fellow with The Phillips Foundation. She can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
By Andrew P. Napolitano
The president's men trash the Constitution to pursue antagonists
Independent voices from the TWT Communities

Covering the world of soccer, including the World Cup, Major League Soccer, D.C. United and the English Premier League and other interesting sporting events.

Happiness is attainable. Morning to night. I love to teach, deal with folks that have an issue and really wish to tackle it and write.