So goes their apparent logic that even if their engineers had considered the potential for a magnetic attack they dismissed it because nomagnets were available, at least to the private sector, to accomplish such a bypass.
Although we are still reviewing issues related to magnets and magnet production, there is no indication to date that Iraq imported magnets for use in a centrifuge enrichment programme.
The Japanese exporter is required to prove that the magnets and facilities to produce them will be strictly for civilian purposes, and that there is no risk of diversion to military uses.