Iran policy
Iranian claims about significant advances in its nuclear program appear to be aimed at a domestic audience to reinforce Tehran’s opposition to international attempts to restrict the country’s nuclear program.
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, in a live TV broadcast, claimed major advances in the processing of uranium ore into low-level uranium used to power nuclear reactors. The same process can be used to produce highly enriched uranium for nuclear weapons, which is the leading concern of Western nations that believe Iran intends to develop a nuclear weapon. Iran claims its program is meant for civilian uses.
The announcement did not surprise David Albright, a former U.N. nuclear inspector who heads the Washington-based institute for Science and International Security. The Obama administration dismissed it as “not big news.” Coming just weeks before parliamentary elections, it could be a bid by President Ahmadinejad to strengthen his support against opponents loyal to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Iranians hurt by international sanctions brought on by their country’s nuclear program need to be shown some benefits from it.
However, the announcement comes amidst other developments that have raised international tensions.
Israel has accused Iran of being behind a series of plots targeting Israeli diplomats in Georgia, India, Thailand and Azerbaijan. Iran, in turn, has blamed Israel for attacks that have killed five Iranian scientists in the past two years. The conflict has heightened speculation that Israel may bomb Iranian nuclear facilities.
Wednesday’s announcements defy international attempts to force Iran to open its nuclear facilities to international inspection despite six U.N. resolutions since 2003 insisting that Iran halt its nuclear program. Facing additional sanctions by the United States and European Union, Iran has threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz through which 20 percent of the world’s oil supplies passes. It also threatened to cut off oil sales to six European nations. However, Iran has indicated it is ready to resume negotiations on its nuclear program.
Whatever its motivation, Wednesday’s announcement cannot be taken lightly. It shows Tehran’s determination to proceed regardless of world opinion. Coupled with Iran’s continued defiance it is reason for concern that should cause Western powers to rachet up pressure on Iran to open its nuclear facilities to international inspectors to prove its peaceful intentions.
