Archive · 26 Jun 2025
Nuclear Black Market Remains Active, Iran Could Return to It
Imagine a secret marketplace where people illegally buy and sell things needed to make nuclear bombs.
This black market is still active, with reports of missing uranium and designs for bombs being sold.
Some countries and groups have been involved in buying and selling these dangerous items.
One network, led by a Pakistani scientist, was a major supplier, including to Iran.
Iran used this market to get parts and plans for its nuclear program and may try to do so again.
The nuclear black market is reportedly still active, with recent incidents indicating ongoing illicit trade.
Various materials and technologies for nuclear weapons, including designs and fissile materials, are traded.
State-linked entities from several countries have been implicated in the black market as buyers or sellers.
The AQ Khan network in Pakistan was a major source of nuclear technology, including to Iran.
Iran has previously used the nuclear black market to acquire nuclear technology and could return to it.
- Who
- Involves state and non-state actors, including buyers, sellers, and transit points.
- What
- The global nuclear black market's ongoing activity and the types of materials and technologies traded.
- When
- Ongoing, with specific incidents mentioned from 2009 to 2024.
- Where
- Global, with mentions of countries like Pakistan, Iran, North Korea, Libya, and transit points.
- Why
- To acquire nuclear capabilities outside of international regulations.
Concerns about Nuclear Proliferation
No opposing sides present.
Proliferation
Concerns about Nuclear Proliferation
The ongoing existence of the nuclear black market facilitates the spread of dangerous materials and technology.
No opposing sides present.
There is no opposing view presented in the articles. However, the concern regarding the proliferation and illicit trade of nuclear materials seems to be the primary focus and implied viewpoint of the article.
- Incidents in 2021
- 146 incidents related to the transfer of illicit nuclear weapons development items
- Missing Uranium in Libya
- 2.3 tonnes
- Uranium for sale
- 3.7 kg plutonium-239 offered for sale in Ukraine (2009)
- AQ Khan Network
- Led by a Pakistani scientist, transferred nuclear technology to multiple countries
- Iran's AMAD Project
- Procured warhead designs from the nuclear black market (1999-2003)