Revisiting AQ Khan’s 1990 offer to assist Iraq’s Nuclear Weapons Program

Article by Robert E. Kelley

September 2024

The legacy of Abdul Quadeer Khan’s, infamous nuclear black market continues to emerge—North Korea’s uranium enrichment facility the latest bequest. Three decades ago the Pakistan metallurgist was assisting Iraq’s nuclear program before its discovery and dismantlement. Nuclear engineer Bob Kelley delves into the evidence shedding fresh light on how A.Q. Khan may have brought the program closer to fulfillment.


Bob Kelley is a nuclear engineer with extensive experience in nuclear weapons programs and non-proliferation efforts. He spent over 35 years working in various capacities, primarily with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), before moving into international roles.