30 June 2025 | 13:13 CAT
3-minute read

As Israel continues to accuse Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons, the world holds its breath, fearing another escalation in an already volatile region. But how difficult is it, in practical terms, to build a nuclear bomb? According to Professor Andy Buffler, Head of the Physics Department at the University of Cape Town, the answer is both simple and terrifying.

Speaking to Radio Islam International, Professor Buffler explained that once the right materials are available, constructing a nuclear weapon is not technically complex.

“It turns out, you know, once you have the right materials, it’s not that difficult. And the question around making a nuclear weapon really is having the right materials,” he said.

The primary challenge lies in enriching uranium to weapons-grade levels—a process that is neither quick nor easily concealed. Uranium-235, the isotope required for nuclear weapons, makes up just 1% of natural uranium. Extracting it demands complex centrifuge facilities and significant time.

“It’s quite difficult to do that in secret. Anybody who has a nuclear programme would find it very difficult not to [be detected]. Even North Korea, who’s not really behaving very well—I think most of what they have done is known publicly,” Professor Buffler added.

Despite the technical barriers and international treaties, the threat remains. Professor Buffler stressed that even a single nuclear detonation would have catastrophic global consequences.

“Even thinking that another nuclear weapon can be detonated in anger anywhere on the globe is just nuts, right? It absolutely cannot happen,” he said.

South Africa provides a rare example of nuclear disarmament. The country voluntarily dismantled its nuclear arsenal in the early 1990s, becoming the only nation in the world to do so. Its remaining stockpile of enriched uranium is securely stored at Pelindaba, near Pretoria. Although other countries have attempted to purchase it, South Africa has remained firm in its decision.

Professor Buffler believes this path is both practical and necessary.

“I can imagine a future in which sensible nations get together and voluntarily decide to dismantle a large proportion, if not all, of the nuclear weapons. It makes absolutely no sense for any nations to aspire to build a nuclear weapon.”

Yet the path to total disarmament is obstructed by rising nationalism and geopolitical tensions. Professor Buffler noted that the international appetite for nuclear disarmament has diminished in recent years, replaced by a global mood of self-interest and competition.

The conversation leaves little room for complacency. The technical knowledge to build nuclear weapons is widely understood, the materials remain tightly controlled, but the political will to pursue disarmament seems to be waning. As Professor Buffler warns, there is no acceptable scenario in which nuclear weapons are used—a single detonation would mark a disaster not just for one nation, but for the entire world.

Listen to the full interview on Your World Today with Muallima Annisa Essack.