  We present the results of a new estimation of the photodisintegration and
propagation of ultrahigh energy cosmic ray (UHCR) nuclei in intergalactic
space. The critical interactions for photodisintegration and energy loss of
UHCR nuclei occur with photons of the infrared background radiation (IBR). We
have reexamined this problem making use of a new determination of the IBR based
on empirical data, primarily from IRAS galaxies, and also collateral
information from TeV gamma-ray observations of two nearby BL Lac objects. Our
results indicate that a 200 EeV Fe nucleus can propagate apx. 100 Mpc through
the IBR. We argue that it is possible that the highest energy cosmic rays
observed may be heavy nuclei.
