One thing to consider is the fact that being able to “sprint” towards a nuclear bomb is sort of the whole point behind the original Iran nuclear deal with the United States. There was limits put on their nuclear program where they could continue to pursue nuclear energy and related technologies, while placing tight controls and observation on their program so that if they decided to do the sprint, it would be detected.

Any nuclear program that a country engages in, is the foundation on which a quick sprint towards building a nuclear device could be built. It is just a side effect of pursuing nuclear energy.

The Iran hawks have seized upon this truism, in order to create a propaganda message that Iran is months away from a nuclear bomb.

So even with a nuclear deal, it will always be true that Iran could theoretically be only a short period of time away from a nuclear device.