A former US Iran nuclear-deal negotiator and distinguished fellow at the Middle
East Institute said Iran's ability to build nuclear weapons "cannot be
eliminated" and that Tehran is now more likely than during the 2015 talks to
pursue a weapon. He said Iran has learned uranium enrichment — "all you can do
is change their intent" — and that while some nuclear equipment has been
destroyed it can be rebuilt; accumulated technical know‑how makes a return to
previous limits less likely.
