Iran’s nuclear programme could be triggering a race to develop atomic weapons in the Middle East, a study warned today.
The report noted a recent surge of nuclear activity in countries in the region.
The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) said that no fewer than 13 countries had drawn up or revived plans for civilian nuclear energy between February 2006 and January 2007.
20 May 2008: Infolive.tv
By Margot Dudkevitch
A British think tank warns that Iran's disputed nuclear program has sparked interest in atomic energy across the Middle East, creating the risk for a regional nuclear arms race. Details of the comprehensive report follow an outright denial by the White House on Tuesday to claims that US President George W. Bush intends to launch an attack on Iran before his term in office comes to an end.
According to the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies, at least 13 Middle Eastern countries have either announced new plans to explore atomic energy or revived pre-existing nuclear programs since February 2006. The report called Nuclear Programmes In The Middle East In The Shadow Of Iran, provides an overview of the history of nuclear programmes in the region, an evaluation of national nuclear capabilities and policies as well as an analysis of future aspirations. The report addresses how some countries in the Middle East would react to an Iranian nuclear weapons capability, and also examines benefits of nuclear power to meet growing electricity demands.
The report claims that countries such as Saudi Arabia, Algeria or Egypt could soon feel the need to match Iran's nuclear ambitions. But it says that sustainable nuclear projects are at least 10 to 15 years off and some of the interest is in energy independence amid soaring oil prices.Iran insists its nuclear aims are peaceful, though Israel, the United States and others have accused it of seeking nuclear weapons.
Meanwhile, the White House flatly denied an Army Radio report claiming Bush intends to attack Iran before the end of his term. A statement released by The White Hous said that while the military option had not been taken off the table, the Administration preferred to resolve concerns about Iran's push for a nuclear weapon "through peaceful diplomatic means."
The Radio quoted a top official in Jerusalem claiming that a senior member in the President's entourage in Israel last week said during in a closed meeting here that Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney were of the opinion that military action against Iran was called for.
The official reportedly went on to say that "the hesitancy of Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice" was preventing the administration from deciding to launch such an attack on the Islamic Republic for the time being. 05/20/08
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