WASHINGTON, D.C. (MCT) — Despite President Barack Obama’s assurances that the United States will know if Iran begins to secretly build a nuclear bomb, some senior officials familiar with U.S. intelligence and spying capabilities in Iran are doubtful.
The issue is a crucial one because the White House has suggested that U.S. satellites, sensors and spies, as well as United Nations inspections, provide a reliable tripwire to decide whether diplomacy has failed and military action is needed to stop Iran from assembling a nuclear device.
“As someone who deals with this stuff every day, I’m not sure how (the president) is that confident,” said Rep. Mike Rogers of Michigan, the top Republican on the House Intelligence Committee.
“I am confident that at some point … we would know, probably. The problem is, you wouldn’t know if that meant they’d have a weapon in three days or in three months.”
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