CIA’s Panetta says Iran has enough uranium for 2 bombs, would need 2 years to build weapons

CIA’s Panetta: Iran has enough uranium for 2 bombs

WASHINGTON — CIA Director Leon Panetta says Iran probably has enough low-enriched uranium for two nuclear weapons, but that it likely would take two years to build the bombs.

Panetta also says he is doubtful that recent U.N. penalties will put an end to Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

He says the penalties could help to weaken Tehran’s government by creating serious economic problems. But he adds, “Will it deter them from their ambitions with regards to nuclear capability? Probably not.”

Panetta tells ABC’s “This Week” he isn’t convinced that Iran will go ahead and build the weapons.

Asked about a potential Israeli military strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, Panetta said he thinks Israel is giving the U.S. room on the diplomatic and political fronts.