Iran has a controversial nuclear programme that the United States and Europe fear may be converted to military use. But there is no indication of a weapons programme, according to a report from London by a leading body in international relations.
The International Institute for Strategic Studies has just issued the results of a study that looks at Iran's nuclear programme. The institute found nothing to suggest that a weapons programme was under way or even being considered. The report is of vital significance to the region. Iraq was invaded in part because of its weapons of mass destruction which turned out not to exist.
Report that says Iran has no evidence of weapons programme is welcome news
Iran has a controversial nuclear programme that the United States and Europe fear may be converted to military use. But there is no indication of a weapons programme, according to a report from London by a leading body in international relations.
The International Institute for Strategic Studies has just issued the results of a study that looks at Iran's nuclear programme. The institute found nothing to suggest that a weapons programme was under way or even being considered. The report is of vital significance to the region. Iraq was invaded in part because of its weapons of mass destruction which turned out not to exist.
The institute's report states clearly that no verifiable evidence of a weapons programme exists in Iran. This is welcome news but feelings of relief must be tempered. There is no place anywhere in the Middle East for nuclear weapons, yet double standards are at play. Israel can possess them without any international sanctions, without any threat of the matter being taken up the United Nations Security Council, without even a slap on the wrist.
Iran does not possess them, and there is no evidence of a plan to possess them, but yet may face UN-imposed sanctions.
North Korea also has the bomb but there is no chance of UN imposed sanction on Pyongyang. This is not a reassuring message, it seems to say that if you get the bomb you are safer than if you did not have it.
The nuclear industry has no place for such warped arguments. Any nuclear programme must be fully transparent and must be fully open to inspection.
The institute's report did mention that the temptation may exist in the future for Iran to transfer its nuclear capability from civilian use to military use. Any such temptation must be resisted and be seen to be
resisted.
