Fitzwallace's SR-71 Photographs of Bushehr Reactor Construction

Uniformed aides clutch SR-71 photographs snatched over the Gulf, grainy frames exposing skeletal early construction of a Russian heavy water reactor at Bushehr, Iran—plutonium breeder contradicting U.S. intel consensus. Fitzwallace thrusts them across Bartlet's Oval desk, finger jabbing proofs as Leo nods plutonium peril, Charlie peeks, Jake Kimball hovers amid economic wreckage; jaws tighten, assumptions shatter in stunned huddle.

1 appearances

Purpose

Deliver aerial reconnaissance evidence of unauthorized nuclear reactor development to brief the President on proliferation threats

Significance

Shatters intelligence illusions, unveils Russian heavy water sale fueling Iran's plutonium path, amplifies nuclear crisis atop chip recall doom, priming Russia summit fracture and diplomatic Armageddon

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

1 moments

S3E18 · Enemies Foreign and Domestic

Fitzwallace Exposes Russian Heavy Water Reactor in Iran

Uniformed aides bear the SR-71 photographs into the Oval; Fitzwallace thrusts them forward, pointing to Bushehr's skeletal construction, using them to dismantle light-water assumptions and prove Russian heavy-water plutonium intent—pivotal evidence shattering intel consensus and escalating the event's dramatic pivot from economy to nukes.

Before: Carried by aides entering the Oval Office

After: Displayed on or across Bartlet's desk for group scrutiny

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