News Summaries and excerpts: Iran's WMD Impact
Ahamdinejad tours Natanz, announces centrifuge progress
UK Spokesman Accuses Iran of Ignoring Will of International Community
In response to Iran's announcement that it is expanding the Natanz enrichment plant, a British Foreign and Commonwealth Office spokesman said: "Iran has not only failed to suspend enrichment, but has chosen to ignore the will of the international community by announcing the installation of new centrifuges. This is despite the fact that Iran's enrichment programme has no apparent civilian purpose, and shows that Iran is making no effort to restore international confidence in its intentions." Sky News via opensource.gov [EUP20080409167003], 8-8-08.
IAEA reports on new centrifuge, nuclear weapon evidence
Britain's UN Ambassador Sawers Interviewed on Iran
According to John Sawers, permanent representative of the United Kingdom to the United Nations: "We have been concerned over the Iranian nuclear program for many years now. Iran has developed the most sensitive of nuclear technologies, but it does not need them for the purposes of its peaceful civilian program. We do not object to Iran having civilian nuclear reactors, but we do have a problem with Iran developing technologies that could lead to the manufacture of a nuclear weapon. Frankly, if we examine the range of activities that Iran is engaged in, they only make sense in the context of nuclear weapon production. That is why all the countries, not just the Europeans and the Americans, but also the Russians, Chinese, and many other countries around the world, are very concerned. Doha Al-Jazirah Satellite Television in Arabic via opensource.gov (GMP20080221648001), 2-21-08.
Iran tests new rocket for "space program"
Moscow Concerned About Iran's Tests Of Launch Vehicle
"Any movements in the area of creating such potential arms, of course make others concerned, and moreover make one suspect that Iran could possibly create nuclear arms," Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Losyukov said on Wednesday. "Long range rockets are a part of such systems. This of course makes us concerned," Loksyukov said. And according to Col. Gen. Viktor Yesin, the former chief of General Staff of the Russian Strategic Missile Troops: "This achievement [the launch of the Explorer-1 rocket] has shown that Iranian specialists have become familiar with production of liquid- propelled rocket engines, which will also allow them in the long term to create ballistic missiles with a range of 3,500-4,000 kilometers or even more," Yesin said. Moscow Interfax in English via opensource.gov (CEP20080206950194), 2-6-08.
Russia supplies fuel for Iran’s Bushehr reactor
Ahmadinejad Sees Nuclear Energy in Iran by 2009
Ahmed Fayazbakhsh, managing director of Iran's Production and Development of Nuclear Energy Company, announced that the Bushehr nuclear power plant is expected to be operation next October. Fayazbakhsh also said that Iran was in the basic planning stage of building a 360 megawatt nuclear power plant in Darkhovein, in the southern Khuzestan Province, and that the plant was expected to be operational in 2017. Nazila Fathi, the New York Times, 1-31-08.
Last Batch of Russian Fuel for Bushehr Arrives in Iran
The eighth and final consignment or nuclear fuel was delivered by Russia to Iran's nuclear power reactor today. According to the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, 82 tons of nuclear fuel enriched to between 1.6% and 3.6% Uranium-235 have been delivered, the amount necessary for the reactor's initial start up. All necessary equipment for the reactor has also been delivered. Itar-Tass via itar-tass.com, 1-28-08.
Nuke Fuel Supply for Bushehr NPP to be Completed Feb.
Russia delivered a sixth consignment of nuclear fuel to Iran for its Bushehr reactor today. Iran has now received 66 tons of fuel, out of 82 tons expected by February. According to Sergei Kiriyenko, head of the Russian Federal Atomic Energy Agency (Rostom), preparation for loading the fuel into the reactor will begin in July or August. Itar-Tass via opensource.gov, 1-24-08.
U.S. National Intelligence Estimate on Iran concludes that Iran’s nuclear weapon effort was halted in 2003
Iranian Resistance Group Says Iran Resumed Weapon Program
According to the National Council for Resistance in Iran, an Iranian opposition group, the U.S. National Intelligence Estimate is correct that Iran halted nuclear weaponization research in 2003, but incorrect that the work remained suspended until at least the middle of 2007. The NCRI claims that Iran's Supreme National Security Council shut down Lavisan-Shian, its main nuclear weapon research center, in August 2003, but then resumed nuclear weapon work at various locations in 2004. The equipment from Lavisan was first relocated to the Center for Readiness and Advanced Technology, a military compound in the Lavisan district of Tehran. Radiation measurement devices were then moved to Malek-Ashtar University in Isfahan and to a defense ministry hospital in Tehran. Other equipment was sent to locations that the NCRI has not been able to identify. The NCRI is the political wing of the Mujahedin e-Khalq. The United States and the European Union list both the NCRI and the Mujahedin as terrorist organizations. Marc Champion and Jay Solomon, the Wall Street Journal, 12-11-07, p. A4.
Israel Insists That Iran Still Seeks a Bomb
In reaction to the U.S. National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) on Iran, a spokesman for Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert argued that there is no logical explanation for Iran’s investment in its nuclear program other than nuclear weapons, and that as a result, Israel believes that "the purpose of the Iranian nuclear program is to achieve nuclear weapons." Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak also took issue with the NIE, saying that while Iran may have halted its military nuclear program in 2003, it is Israel's estimation that Iran has since "continu[ed] with its program to produce a nuclear weapon." Steven Erlanger and Graham Bowley, the New York Times, 12-5-07.
Europeans See Murkier Case for Sanctions
The U.S. National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) is likely to complicate efforts to impose new U.N. Security Council sanctions on Iran, according to European diplomats. European officials have said on the record that their governments are studying the NIE; however, unofficially, they acknowledge that the momentum for another Security Council resolution against Iran is gone. The British government said that the NIE's conclusions "justify the action already taken" as well as those efforts to "increase pressure on the regime to stop enrichment and reprocessing activities." However, Russia has said the report vidicates its position that there is not proof that Iran is pursuing nuclear weapons. Elaine Sciolino, the New York Times, 12-4-07.
Iran's Neighbors explore nuclear energy development
GCC Secretary General on nuclear energy
In an interview, GCC Secretary General Abd-al-Rahman al-Atiyah summarized the conclusions related to regional nuclear energy development at a recent GCC summit: "we intend to study the project for a nuclear program to use nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.As GCC secretary general I am proud that this project has come at an important stage.Now according to international standards, and within the framework of the International Atomic Energy Agency - and we are a party to the Nuclear non-Proliferation Treaty - I believe that we have placed ourselves in the correct position, especially with regard to the peaceful use [of nuclear energy]." "Special Encounter" program with Rima al-Shamikh, Riyadh Al-Ikhbariyah Satellite Channel in Arabic via opensource.gov (GMP20061221836002), 12-12-06.
U.S., Bahrain sign deal on nuclear energy cooperation
The United States and Bahrain signed a memorandum of understanding yesterday on peaceful nuclear cooperation. According to a U.S. statement, Bahrain has agreed to forgo sensitive nuclear fuel cycle activities, including the production of nuclear fuel, which “reflects Bahrain’s commitment to serve as a model in the region.” Agence France-Presse (AFP) via gulfinthemedia.com, 3-25-08.
Egypt Takes Offer for Nuclear Program
Egypt will start taking bids for its first nuclear reactor, expected to be built in El-Dabaa, in February. Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak announced plans for a nuclear reactor for peaceful power-generating purposes last year. The Associated Press via www.washingtonpost.com, 1-26-08.
Cairo prepares El-Dabaa nuclear power site
Egypt’s Nuclear Power Plants Authority has initiated studies to upgrade seismographs at the El-Dabaa nuclear power site, west of Alexandria. In addition, Egypt’s Nuclear Materials Authority is working in cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency to assess uranium reserves at nine sites across the country, to determine the economic feasibility of extracting the uranium to make nuclear fuel. Karin Maree, MEED Middle East Business Intelligence via meed.com, 1-10-08.
Jordan, U.S. Sign Nuclear Agreement
The United States and Jordan signed an agreement which will bring U.S. assistance to Jordan to help develop nuclear power reactors, fuel service arrangements, civilian training, safety programs, and nuclear energy technology. According to Jordan’s King Abdullah II, alternative energy sources are necessary for electricity production and water desalinization. Dale Gavlak, Associated Press via news.google.com, 9-16-07.
Jordan Parliament Clears Way for Nuclear Power
- Jordan's parliament passed legislation authorizing the use of nuclear energy for electricity production and water desalination. Jordan aims to have its first nuclear power station in operation by 2015. It currently imports 95 percent of its energy needs, and is one of the poorest countries in the world in terms of water resources. Agence France-Presse (AFP) via news.yahoo.com, 4-22-07.
Abdullah: Jordan will develop nuclear power
King Abdullah II of Jordan stated that he is interested in nuclear energy. King Abdullah noted that there has been a shift in the region's view on nuclear power, with both Egypt and the Gulf Cooperation Council considering developing a nuclear program. Akiva Eldar, Haaretz via www.haaretz.com, 1-19-07.
France inks energy deals with Qatar during Sarkozy visit
A memorandum of understanding was signed by Qatar and Electricite de France (EDF) to “discuss cooperation in the production of nuclear power and renewable – solar and wind – energies,” following French President Nicolas Sarkozy’s arrive in Doha. Agence France-Presse (AFP) via afp.google.com, 1-14-08.
Holdings discuss nuclear energy in Ankara
Energy minister Hilmi Guler met with other ministers and representatives of 14 Turkish companies for preliminary talks on the construction of nuclear power plants over the next decade. The Turkish Atomic Energy Agency had earlier announced that the first power stations will be built in the Black Sea province Sinop. During the 1980s a General Electric study on building a power plant in Sinop was abandoned due to concerns over the region's seismic activity. The government intends to initially build a 100 MW pilot reactor and eventually build three power plants with a total 5,000 MW capacity. Construction work will commence in January 2007. Turkish Daily News via www.lexis.com, 4-14-06.
French offer Saudi nuclear energy help
French President Nicolas Sarkozy offered Saudi Arabia the services of France’s Atomic Energy Commission to help explore the development of a civilian nuclear energy program. Sarkozy made the offer to King Abdullah during his visit to kingdom. Laurent Pirot, the Associated Press via abcnews.com, 1-13-08.
UAE says to explore nuclear energy for electricity
According to a government statement, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will establish a $100 million Nuclear Energy Implementation Organization “to evaluate the establishment of a peaceful nuclear program.” The government considers nuclear energy to be “an environmentally promising and commercially competitive option which could make a significant contribution to the UAE's economy and future energy security.” A memorandum on UAE nuclear policy issued on March 23 indicates that the country would not seek to produce nuclear fuel domestically, that it would work closely with the International Atomic Energy Agency, and that it would offer joint venture with foreign investors to build and operate light water power reactors. Reuters via news.yahoo.com, 3-25-08.
France Gets Military Base in Gulf
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and France have agreed on future cooperation on a peaceful nuclear program. France's Total also announced that partnering with Suez and state-owned nuclear reactor maker, Areva, it would develop two third-generation nuclear reactors in the UAE. Emmanuel Jarry, Reuters, 1-15-08.