Cautious uncertainty on Iran's nukes?

WASHINGTON, Nov. 11 (UPI) -- Iran's gas centrifuges for uranium enrichment are a concern despite Tehran's claims of the peaceful intent of its work, a U.S. congressional report stated.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said in an interview with state media recently that nuclear cooperation was an important issue. His comments come as Western nations continue to negotiate with Iran over its controversial nuclear program.

A recently published report by the U.S. Congressional Research Service says that although Iran claims its nuclear program is intended for peaceful purposes, its work on certain areas of uranium enrichment and centrifuge technology is a concern.

A National Intelligence Estimate made public in 2007 said Iran "halted its nuclear weapons program" in 2003. Nevertheless, the CRS report claims, Iran continues to pursue certain technologies that could produce highly enriched uranium for possible use as fissile material for a nuclear weapon.

Meanwhile, the CRS report points to non-government experts and former U.S. officials who believe Iran could obtain fissile material needed for a nuclear weapon from foreign sources.

The report says that although Iran claims it is pursuing a peaceful program under international law, there is enough speculation to warrant at least modest concern. The CRS says international monitors continue to examine evidence that Iran may have conducted activity related to weapons development.

"Whether Iran is pursuing a nuclear weapons program is, however, unknown," the report said.