COMMENTARY | The topic of Iran’s nuclear development and intentions is one filled with strong emotions on all sides. Speculation pervades the situations but that should not stop one from seeking the facts. I will cover some basic facts about Iran’s nuclear program, followed by the reactions of the U.S. and other countries, and finally what one can expect in the near future.
Many misconceptions about Iran’s nuclear program exist. One of which is that they have broken some type of law with their current nuclear activities. “As a signatory to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, Iran not only has the right to use nuclear energy peacefully, but also should fulfill its due international obligations,” states Liu Weimin Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman. There is no record of nuclear development that cannot be classified as a civilian development. In a country like Iran, nuclear development could be beneficial to the job market and in turn the economy.
The USA and ally Israel have been in emphatic opposition of any further nuclear development within Iran. “Israel contends a nuclear-armed Iran would threaten its survival, citing Tehran’s calls for the destruction of the Jewish state and its support for anti-Israel militant groups,” says the Nation Thailand. In defense of this stance the U.S. has led numerous sanctions against Iran, including efforts to freeze assets internationally and block imports of Iranian fuel. The European Union has substantiated American efforts by passing off a ban on the purchase of Iranian fuel, which will take effect in July of this year. Such strong action internationally leads one to ask, “Is Iran truly a threat to all of these countries?” The answer to that question is complicated and can hardly be answered with a yes or no. It is clear however, that Iran at least claims to be ready for dialog with EU even if it is a pretense.
It is hard to predict what will happen in regards to this situation, but few believe that a military intervention will take place. Sanctions have hurt the Iranian economy and will only get worse when the EU ban takes place this July. Tehran will be forced to negotiate if their financial situation gets bleak enough. At least that seems to be the mindset of the US who is perusing sanctions as the first choice of action. However with a U.S. election in the near future, it is difficult to say if the current policy will be employed next year.
Barzashka I. [2011, March 24]. How Buchehr Can Stop a Nuclear Bomb. Nuclear Engineering International. Pg. 10 Retrieved January 26, 2012 from LexusNexus
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Retrieved February 1, 2012 from LexusNexus
Stanglin Douglas. (January 26, 2012) Ahmadinejad: Iran is ready for new nuclear talks with West. USA Today Retrieved January 26, 2012 from http://content.usatoday.com/communities/ondeadline