Excerpts from previous status reports, by subject
Removed on May 12, 2005
- The Bush administration deliberates
Following trips to Europe by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and President George W. Bush in early 2005, the administration has been assessing how to support Europe’s diplomatic effort to offer Iran incentives in exchange for the abandonment of its uranium enrichment program. Europe and the United States agree that Iran must give up its ability to produce enriched uranium in order to guarantee that it is not using its civilian nuclear energy program as cover for weapons. However, the administration has worried about Europe’s willingness to punish the Islamic Republic if it balks at ending such activity.
Iran itself has recognized that its plan to enrich uranium “cannot be justified on economic grounds,” according to a confidential European summary of the negotiations so far, which was leaked to the media. Yet, Tehran continues to insist on maintaining the program.
During her February visit to Europe, Secretary Rice said that the United States is “appreciative” of the European effort to negotiate with Iran, and even that the administration has “worked closely” with Europe. However, proof of such cooperation has been elusive. During her Senate confirmation hearings in January, Secretary Rice said the administration preferred to “see how far the Europeans get and take a look at where we are.” The Bush administration’s reluctance to participate more actively could ultimately mean the demise of the talks: The package of economic incentives Europe can offer Iran needs at least tacit American support, and the United States is the only country capable of offering Iran a real package of security incentives in exchange for Tehran’s abandonment of a nuclear weapon option.
Though unwilling to offer incentives
to Iran, the United States has been far less hesitant in brandishing
sticks. According to media reports,
surveillance drones have been flying over Iran from U.S. military facilities
in Iraq since the fall of Baghdad, in order to gather information on
Iran’s nuclear activities. And an article by Seymour Hersh in the
New Yorker alleged that the administration has been conducting secret
reconnaissance missions in Iran, led by a task force of American commandos.
Though both President Bush and Secretary Rice have said that the diplomatic
process with Iran has only begun, both have also said that the administration
has taken no option—including the use of force—off the table.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Congress appears ready to take a more active role
in punishing U.S. and foreign companies that do business with Tehran
by closing loopholes in U.S. sanctions laws.