Iran: The nuclear nightmare

[cal04]

Tehran's defiance sparks fears of a regional showdown
The confrontation between Iran and the West deepened yesterday as both sides hardened their positions over the Islamic republic's nuclear programme. The foreign ministers of Britain, France and Germany announced that more than two years of negotiations with Iran over its suspected nuclear weapons programme were at a "dead end" and they urged the UN nuclear watchdog to call an emergency board meeting to refer Iran to the UN Security Council for possible sanctions, accusing Tehran of a "documented record of concealment and deception". Diplomats said the talks at the Vienna headquarters of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) would probably be held in the first week of next month.
(snip)
Iran insists that its intentions in pursuing nuclear technology are peaceful. But the West has continued to harbour suspicions because of the Iranians' refusal to come clean on the extent of its nuclear programme, which was concealed from inspectors for 18 years. There also questions as to why oil-rich Iran, with its vast energy reserves, is so keen to develop nuclear energy.

(snip)
Last week, a leaked EU intelligence assessment provided more details about companies and middlemen used by the Iranians in their search for nuclear suppliers in Europe and the former Soviet Union. The report provided no proof, however, that the materials were destined for a nuclear weapon.


(snip)-
The US Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice, urged the UN Security Council to maintain the pressure on the
Iranians. However, Iran argues that it has a right under the nuclear non-proliferation treaty to enrich uranium, and has informed the IAEA that it only intends to conduct small-scale enrichment at Natanz . The Europeans and US could face difficulties in referring Iran to the UN Security Council for breaking a moratorium which was voluntary in the first place, and without the IAEA declaring Iran to be in breach of its obligations. The Europeans and the US stressed that they still hope for a diplomatic solution to the stand off. But some analysts said it was a mistake by the Europeans and the Bush administration in recent days to use threatening language that could force Iran into even more extreme positions.
Sounds familiar?
IRAQ

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http://news.independent.co.uk/world/middle_east/article338254.ece

[savemefromdumbya]

1. Here we go, here we go, here we go

The Iranians must be thinking if Pakistan can have nukes why can't we.

Besides cheney has already planned to invade Iran!

[Warren Stupidity]

2. There is no crisis.

While we threaten Iran we make technology deals with NPT violator India. Who are we kidding? We ignore NPT violators Israel and Pakistan while we are HORRIFIED by violators North Korea and (supposedly) Iran.

The NPT, and with it the IAEA were rendered null and void when we marched into Baghdad.

[ixion]

3. the nuclear nightmare is the US, IMO

I mean, who has more nuclear weapons than anyone, and has been itchin' to use them?

[peacetalksforall]

4. Here is the key sentence - it is equivalent to No WMD:

"The report provided no proof, however, that the materials were destined for a nuclear weapon."

WMD WMD WMD. Sorry, no weapons of mass destruction. My bad.

Here is the key destination?:

Natanz

We are bombing the hell out of places that we're not even sure how to pronounce.

Ten year old girls? Ten year old boys? And their younger and older siblings. Bomb 'em to hell. What's the difference between an Iraqi and an Iranian, anyway? What is important is our technology along with Israel's technology and our combined superior war plans. Right?

Bitter in the U.S. of Corporations.

[sarcasmo]

5. Kick and Nom. This is starting to shape up just like Iraq. The

difference is Iran will not allow weapons inspectors. IMHO, Israel will start the bombing and the U.S. will join in after the fact. WMD's will not be needed for this invasion. WWIII here we come.