Why does Iran find it challenging to purchase nuclear weapons from North Korea, opting instead for lengthy development?

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1. 

   MWAdminAuthor March 10, 2025 at 9:51 pm

   There are several reasons why Iran might struggle to acquire nuclear weapons from North Korea and instead choose to develop its own.

   1. Politics and Diplomacy: Acquiring weapons from another country can involve complex diplomatic negotiations and agreements. Iran may face international scrutiny and pressure that complicate such transactions. They may prefer to develop a homegrown program to avoid the implications of seeking external suppliers.

   2. International Sanctions: Ongoing sanctions against Iran can limit its access to funds and resources needed to purchase weapons. These sanctions also affect North Korea, which might be reluctant to engage in transactions that could further isolate them from the global community.

   3. Reliability and Control: Building their own nuclear capability allows Iran greater control over technology and development timelines. Relying on another country for acquisition could lead to dependency and unpredictability regarding supply and support.

   4. Development of Expertise: By developing their own program, Iran fosters technological and scientific expertise within its own borders, which can have long-term benefits beyond just nuclear capabilities.

   5. Strategic Autonomy: Having an indigenous nuclear program can provide Iran with a sense of strategic autonomy. They might view reliance on North Korea as a potential vulnerability that could be exploited in future international negotiations or conflicts.

   6. Global Perception: Pursuing a domestic program rather than purchasing from a pariah state like North Korea may help Iran maintain a semblance of legitimacy and lessen some of the stigma associated with its nuclear ambitions.

   Each of these factors plays into the calculus that drives Iran’s decision-making around nuclear weapons development.