[PINR] 24 November 2004: Tehran Buys Itself More Time from U.S. Pressure

[nosmokes]

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Power and Interest News Report (PINR)
http://www.pinr.com
[e-mail]
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24 November 2004

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Tehran Buys Itself More Time from U.S. Pressure
Drafted By: Erich Marquardt
http://www.pinr.com

Tehran's announcement on November 14 that it would fully suspend all uranium enrichment-related programs has damaged the ability of the United States to push for United Nations economic sanctions on the country. The United States, which considers the policies of the regime in Tehran to be against U.S. interests, has pushed for measures that will weaken the power and influence of the Iranian government. The ultimate goal of the Bush administration is to replace the regime in Tehran with one more favorable to U.S. interests.

Brief History of Iran's Nuclear Research Program

While impossible to confirm, there is a high probability that the leadership in Tehran is attempting to acquire a nuclear weapons capability. By achieving a nuclear weapons capability, Iran would be better insulated from foreign threats and this capability would help to stabilize its regional power. While a nuclear-armed Iran would assist in securing Iranian interests, it would be a dangerous development for the interests of the United States and Israel -- two allies that cooperate to preserve the present balance of power in the Middle East.
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Tehran's Decision to Fully Suspend its Uranium Enrichment Programs

Tehran's November 14 decision to fully suspend its uranium enrichment-related programs comes in the face of mounting pressure by the United States to refer the question of Iran's nuclear research program to the United Nations Security Council for the desired outcome of instituting international economic sanctions on the country. The Bush administration's foreign policy strategy in dealing with Tehran has been to convince the three European Union countries of Great Britain, France and Germany to help Washington move the issue to the Security Council.
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Iran Follows Established Pattern of Evasion

Iran's present course follows an established pattern of evasion. It was only one year ago in October that an almost identical situation occurred. On October 21, 2003, the countries of Great Britain, France and Germany negotiated with Tehran to place an extra protocol on its signed copy of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty allowing for more intrusive inspections by the I.A.E.A. and placing into effect a temporary halt on all uranium enrichment activities inside Iran.
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Conclusion

While Iran's recent decision highlights the success of the United States to push the Europeans to force Iran to comply with certain demands, the outcome is far from being ideal for the United States. The question of Iran's nuclear program has not been resolved and Tehran has managed to buy more time before it is forced to either declare itself a nuclear power or to give up its desire to enrich uranium. The Europeans have been quick to support Iran's limited concessions and have shown very little regard for Washington's tact.
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Report Drafted By:
Erich Marquardt
complete report available at http://www.pinr.com
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The Power and Interest News Report (PINR) is an analysis-based publication that seeks to, as objectively as possible, provide insight into various conflicts, regions and points of interest around the globe. PINR approaches a subject based upon the powers and interests involved, leaving the moral judgments to the reader. This report may not be reproduced, reprinted or broadcast without the written permission of [e-mail]. All comments should be directed to [e-mail].

[burrowowl]

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