Cautious uncertainty on Iran's nukes?

Published: Nov. 11, 2009 at 3:35 PM

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.

© 2009 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Order reprints


Additional News Stories
River bacteria may reflect climate changes (12 min)
Alzheimer signs seen in healthy adults (17 min)
Airlines crowds arrived early this year (20 min)
Intelligence poorly related to brain size (20 min)
U.S. Army deal for Gen. Dynamics Canada (22 min)
Gene may help drugs fight cancer (24 min)
Time of day matters to thirsty trees (25 min)
fark
Studies show that men who stifle their anger at work are more than twice as likely to die of a heart...
Photoshop this semiconductor tracker barrel
Dog works the drive-through at a convenience store (with awesome picture of the employee)
Ten secret text message codes parents need to pay special attention to. NALOPKT
You know that guy who spent 23 years in a coma but aware of everything going on? Even money says...
Police searching for the grinch or grinches who crushed a gingerbread town containing 650 gingerbread...