Iran’s Obligations

Iran is not living up to its obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty:

PARIS — The International Atomic Energy Agency, in an unusually blunt and detailed report, said Monday that Iran’s suspected research into the development of nuclear weapons remained “a matter of serious concern” and that Iran continued to owe the agency “substantial explanations.”

The nine-page report accused the Iranians of a willful lack of cooperation, particularly in answering allegations that its nuclear program may be intended more for military use than for energy generation.

Part of the agency’s case hinges on 18 documents listed in the report and presented to Iran that, according to Western intelligence agencies, indicate the Iranians have ventured into explosives, uranium processing and a missile warhead design — activities that could be associated with constructing nuclear weapons.

“There are certain parts of their nuclear program where the military seems to have played a role,” said one senior official close to the agency, who spoke on the condition of anonymity under normal diplomatic constraints. He added, “We want to understand why.”

I continue to believe as I have believed for some time: that Iran has an active nuclear weapons development program, some using “dual-purpose technology” some being conducted covertly. I think that’s the only explanation that can be taken from the evidence other than the somewhat odd possibility that the Iranians want us to believe they have a nuclear weapons development program without actually having one. I also continue to believe that the use of military force against Iran would be ill-advised and counterproductive.

Iran needs to live up to its obligations under the NPT: complete access, complete disclosure. Anything less is unacceptable and among the nations sending representatives to discuss the matter with Iranian officials are the two countries who most need convincing: Russia and China.

Have no fear: once the Iranians’ research is along far enough expect them to withdraw from the NPT. Then they won’t have to worry about compliance.