The nuclear machine’s reactors are spinning, and whether you bleed red, blue, or green, chances are that the next few moments that unfold will make an impact on the world you live in, whether you like it or not.

On the brink of nuclear war in 2012. The last and only time there was an attack of this nature was in 1945 when atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II.

Iran unveiled new developments in its controversial nuclear program which has had the international community up in arms. Tehran claimed to have made nuclear fuel in a reactor for the first time, in line with their claims to create nuclear energy. Not only is this a step closer to nuclear energy, Iran has created a faster and more efficient way to enrich uranium than they previously could.

While the news comes as a celebration to Iran, the international community has not responded well. (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-17041135)

And then comes Russia, apparently playing a more and more pivotal role in the Middle East daily; although a role which may not hold much water as tension at home could see President Vladimir Putin and his United Russia losing support for re-election. Perhaps a tactic to distract Russians and the international community from the problems the government faces at home.

Nonetheless, Russian general Nikolai Makarov announced on Valentine’s Day that an attack on Iran was imminent, and could occur within the next few months. Whether the announcement was a warning to Iran or an announcement for the international community to act quickly before things got out of hand, Russia’s stance on Iran has always been positive, supporting Iran’s nuclear program.

The Russian general did not specify who would be behind the attack; however, those who have opposed Iran’s nuclear program have spoken loud and clear against it in recent weeks. And those findings would not be completely unreasonable after this week’s attacks in Georgia, India and Thailand have been blamed on Iran.

Israeli embassies and diplomats were targeted in India and Georgia earlier this week and were blamed on Iran. Iran has denied all accusations, and has claimed that Israel is trying to tarnish its ties with Thailand in the latest attack. A series of bombs exploded in Bangkok after apparently three men of Iranian origin accidentally ignited explosives in their rented home. The bombs found in the house were similar to the attacks used in India, according to the Israeli ambassador to Thailand. In addition the Thai national security council secretary did mention that the magnetic sheet attached to the bombs were the same as the ones discovered in the bombs in India and Georgia.

The men’s identities were discovered after a man who accidentally blew off his own leg was found in possession of an Iranian passport. (http://arabnews.com/world/article575623.ece)

These attacks come after last month’s remarks made during a worldwide threat assessment to the US Congress by Director of National Intelligence, James Clapper, that America and its allies could see an increase in attacks from Iran.

The first incident cited was the plot to assassinate the Saudi Ambassador to the US by Iran. Also mentioned was the fact that many Iranians had been arrested in Thailand for having suspected links to Iran. Officials at the time speculated that the increase in violence could be revenge for the killing of Iranian scientists, which Iran blames on Israel.

Officials have claimed that in the recent past that a faction of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps have been moving about abroad. (http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/ jan/31/iranian-attack-america-allies-intelligence)

Just short of a naval showdown, the Strait of Hormuz has been littered with Iranian as well as American naval power, prepared for any face off if necessary.

At the beginning of the year, the IAEA sent a team to Iran to inspect its nuclear facilities. The tension over Iran has risen in the past few months after it was discovered that Iran was enriching uranium to a higher percentage, which can be used as a nuclear weapon.

Iran had previously attempted to receive fuel for its nuclear reactor from other sources, but plans fell through, and that is when Iran decided to create nuclear fuel themselves. Despite sanctions and an oil embargo, Iran is persistent and has said it will continue its nuclear program come hell or high water.

To add to the nuclear nuance, Japan this week, defended its ability to build nuclear weapons after opinions from within its borders suggested a ban on the country’s nuclear weapons.

After devastating natural disasters and a leak at the Fukushima nuclear facility, Japan is adamant on keeping its nuclear capabilities, it says, after being the only country in the world to have suffered at the hands of an atomic attack.

With a growing Chinese army and a consistent military threat from North Korea, Japan is not going to lose its nuclear capabilities, with over 50 nuclear reactors. (http://arabnews.com/world/article575006.ece)