Background Briefs

Nuclear Standoff with Iran

Audio: Play | Download

President Barack Obama has said the US and its allies are developing a “significant regime of sanctions” against Iran for its nuclear program. He said the international community was unified over Iran’s “misbehavior”.

Speaking in Washington, he said despite Tehran’s denials, it was clear Iran was working to build nuclear weapons. His remarks came after Iranian state media reported that Iran had started the process of enriching uranium to 20% for use in a medical research reactor.

In an unexpected appearance in the White House briefing room, the President said the US was confident the international community was “unified around Iran’s misbehavior in this area”. He said the new push for sanctions on Iran was “moving along fairly quickly” and should be completed in the next few weeks.

Mr Obama also said he was pleased at Russia’s quick disapproval of Iran’s latest move. But he said it was unclear how China would respond to a new push at the UN Security Council for another round of sanctions against Iran. China, a UN Security Council member, has called for further talks over the issue. China and Russia have been reluctant in the past to support international sanctions against Iran.

Iran currently enriches uranium to a level of 3.5% but requires 20% enriched uranium for its research reactor, which is meant to produce medical isotopes. A bomb would require uranium enriched to at least 90%. The US and its Western allies say Iran is trying to develop a nuclear weapon – a charge Iran has repeatedly denied.

In October, a deal brokered by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was thought to have been struck for Iran to send its uranium to Russia and France for enrichment. But last month, diplomats said Iran had told the IAEA that it did not accept the terms of the deal – though there have since been other, conflicting messages. Iran is already subject to three sets of UN sanctions for refusing to suspend its uranium enrichment program.

---

On The World: Dealing with Iran (Jan 5)
President Obama has put Iran on notice: start meeting demands on nuclear activites by 2010 or face the possiblity of crippling sanctions. Matthew Bell looks into US options now that the deadline is passed.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Download MP3

---

Missile tests

In December 2009 Iran successfully test-fired an improved version of a medium-range missile, state television has said. TV pictures showed the launch of the Sajjil-2 rocket, which experts say has the range to be able to hit Israel and US bases in the Gulf.

In September, Iran was heavily criticized after testing its Sajjil and Shahab missiles which could travel approximately 1,200 miles. Those tests came just weeks after Iran revealed the existence of a previously secret nuclear facility in the mountains near the city of Qom.

More info about Iran’s arsenal of missiles

On Dec 15th, 2009, Iran denied a report in The Times of London that it has been working on a key component of a nuclear bomb. A spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Ramin Mehmanparast, said the report had political aims and was part of a psychological war. The newspaper reported that it had obtained documents referring to a neutron source – uranium deuteride – that experts say can only relate to weapons research. Uranium deuteride can be used as a trigger for a nuclear chain reaction. However, Mr Mehmanparast said: “Some countries are angry that our people defend their nuclear rights.” He said that when Western powers wanted to put pressure on Iran, they “crafted such scenarios, which is unacceptable”. He said the report was “baseless”.

Read the story in the Times of London

In November, the head of Iran’s nuclear program has accused the West of provoking his country into launching a plan to build 10 new uranium enrichment plants. Ali Akbar Salehi said a UN demand for Iran to halt work on a recently revealed site had “prompted the government to approve the plan”. Iran’s proposed new plants would be of a similar size to its main existing enrichment plant at Natanz. Salehi, who is also vice-president of Iran, said: “We had no intention of building many facilities like the Natanz site but apparently the West doesn’t want to understand Iran’s peaceful message.” He accused foreign powers of pushing the UN’s nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), to rebuke Iran for covering up another uranium enrichment plant near the town of Qom. The IAEA demanded that Iran freeze the project immediately. The resolution, the first against Iran in nearly four years, was passed by a 25-3 margin with six abstentions on Nov 27.

On the World: Katy Clark on the censure vote

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Download MP3

Iran called the move “useless” but Washington said it showed time was running out for Iran to address key issues. Iran says its nuclear program is for peaceful energy purposes, but the US and some of its western allies suspects Tehran is seeking nuclear weapons. In September, it emerged that as well as its uranium enrichment facility at Natanz, Iran had a second such facility near the town of Qom (satellite image).

The IAEA resolution was passed with rare Russian and Chinese backing. Only Cuba, Venezuela and Malaysia voted against it. After the resolution, the US said Iran needed to address “the growing international deficit of confidence in its intentions”. “Our patience and that of the international community is limited, and time is running out,” White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said. But Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast called the IAEA vote “a theatrical move aimed at pressuring Iran” that would be “useless”, state news agency Irna reported.

The resolution came a day after the outgoing head of the IAEA, Mohamed ElBaradei, expressed frustration at Iran’s refusal to accept an international proposal to end the dispute over its nuclear program. The plan envisages Iran’s low-enriched uranium being shipped overseas for processing into fuel. This is seen as a way for Iran to get the fuel it wants, while giving guarantees to the West that it will not be used for nuclear weapons.

---

On The World: Jeb Sharp speaks with Joseph Cirincione, a non-proliferation expert and president of the Ploughshares Fund in Washington about Iran’s nuclear ambitions (Oct 26).

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Download MP3

---

Qom facility

Tehran insists it has the right to develop nuclear energy, but the revelation of a second uranium-enrichment facility in September has once again raised fears that it is trying to develop nuclear weapons.

Iran revealed its second nuclear plant on September 21st. The IAEA had requested “specific information and access to the facility as soon as possible” after receiving the letter from Tehran admitting to the existence of the plant. Iran has previously acknowledged it has one enrichment plant, at Natanz.

On The World: Katy Clark on Iran announcing the existence of a second enrichment facility (Sep 25):

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Download MP3

---

Iran insists that all its nuclear facilities are for peaceful energy purposes and rejects accusations from Washington and others that it is seeking a nuclear weapon. Iranian officials have denied that the latest plant was any kind of clandestine project. Iran says it does not need to inform the IAEA of any new site until 180 days before any nuclear material is placed in the facility. The existence of Iran’s first enrichment plant, at Natanz, was only confirmed after intelligence emerged from Iranian exile groups several years ago.

In July 2009 Secretary of State Hillary Clinton warned that Iran and North Korea will face severe consequences if they do not abandon their nuclear ambitions. At a regional summit in Thailand, Secretary Clinton said the US was prepared to bolster the defense of Gulf allies if Iran developed nuclear weapons. An American Gulf “defense umbrella” would make it unlikely Iran would be stronger or safer with a weapon, Clinton said. She reiterated President Barack Obama’s policy that talks were still an option between Iran and the US, but that “crippling action” could also be considered.

On April 9th, Iran’s president opened the country’s first nuclear fuel production plant, making what correspondents say was a defiant speech. President Ahmadinejad said Iran was open to an offer of fresh talks with world powers, but only if they were based on “justice” and “respect”.

In a speech from Isfahan, Ahmadinejad said Iran had tested two new types of centrifuge with higher capacities at a uranium enrichment plant in Natanz. The newly-opened plant in Isfahan will produce pellets of uranium oxide to fuel a heavy-water reactor planned for completion by 2010, the Associated Press reported. This signals Iran has reached the final stage in the nuclear fuel cycle, analysts say.

In March 2009 President Barack Obama offered “a new beginning” of engagement with Tehran in an unprecedented direct video message to the Iranian people. “My administration is now committed to diplomacy that addresses the full range of issues before us,” Mr Obama said. Mr Obama’s message was released to coincide with the festival of Nowruz, when Iranians mark the arrival of spring. In it, President Obama said he wanted “to speak directly to the people and leaders of the Islamic Republic of Iran”. He said his administration was committed “to pursuing constructive ties among the United States, Iran and the international community”.

Watch the President’s appeal to Iran

An advisor to Iran’s president welcomed Mr Obama’s message but said Washington had to fundamentally change policy. Relations between Iran and the U.S. have been strained over Tehran’s controversial nuclear activities.

In February Iranian and Russian nuclear officials began a test run of Iran’s first nuclear power plant. The test involves dummy rods that imitate the enriched uranium needed to run the Russian-built plant at Bushehr. The test further increased fears in the West about Iran’s nuclear ambitions. An Iranian official told journalists at Bushehr that Iran had increased the number of its centrifuges enriching uranium at another site to 6,000.

The reactor was first started by a German company under the Shah in 1975, but revolution and war stalled work there until the Russians took it on in 1995. Operations of the 1,000-megawatt light-water reactor have been long delayed, though it is expected to start generating power later this year.

Iran is currently defying Security Council resolutions ordering it to suspend the enrichment of uranium. It says it is simply doing what it is allowed to do under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). The country has pledged not to break its obligations under the NPT and will not use the technology to make nuclear weapons.

However, the Iranian authorities hid their uranium enrichment program for 18 years, and the Security Council says they should stop enrichment and certain other nuclear activities until their peaceful intentions can be fully established.

On July 8th, 2008 the U.S. imposed new financial sanctions on Iranian individuals and companies suspected of involvement in the country’s nuclear program. A senior defense ministry scientist and several companies thought to be linked to Iran’s arms industry were among those placed on the restricted list. The move will ban American companies from trading with those on the list, who will also have their U.S. assets frozen.

It came as G8 leaders called for Iran to halt uranium enrichment work. In April, 2008 the IAEA said it believed Iran is still withholding information on its nuclear program. In a report, the International Atomic Energy Agency said Tehran’s alleged weapons development studies remain a matter of serious concern.

On March 3rd, 2008 the UN Security Council voted in favor of new sanctions against Iran over its nuclear program. Fourteen of the council’s fifteen members voted in favor of measures including asset freezes and travel bans for Iranian officials. Indonesia abstained.

This third sanctions resolution adds to resolutions adopted in 2006 and 2007. It calls for the foreign assets of 13 Iranian companies to be frozen, and imposes travel bans on five Iranian officials. It imposes a ban on the sale to Iran of so-called dual-use items – which can have either a military or civilian purpose.

The five permanent, veto-wielding members of the council – the United States, France, Britain, China, and Russia – all supported the resolution. The non-permanent members – none of whom possesses the power of veto – all backed it, except Indonesia, which abstained, saying it remained to be convinced of the necessity of the sanctions.

In a statement before the vote, Iran’s envoy to the UN, Ali Asghar Soltanieh, described the resolution as politically motivated, illegal, and illegitimate. He insisted Iran’s nuclear program “has been, is, and will remain, absolutely peaceful”.

President George W. Bush said in December 2007 that Iran should reveal the full extent of its nuclear program, or risk further international isolation. The National Intelligence Estimate released on Dec. 3rd said that Iran had halted its nuclear weapons program in 2003. But Mr Bush said Iran still had “more to explain” about its past actions, and that it must cease uranium enrichment.

Click here to read the National Intelligence Estimate on Iran (2007)

Iran’s nuclear program

Iran has been developping the technology of enriching uranium. This process involves converting uranium ore into a gas. The gas is then spun through centrifuges to separate the richer parts that can be used as fuel in a nuclear power station.

Western countries are concerned because this technology can also be used to get an even higher level of enrichment, and this highly enriched uranium can be used in the development of a nuclear bomb.

Iran hid important parts of its nuclear program for many years. In December 2002 satellite photography confirmed the existence of sites at Natanz (uranium enrichment plant) and Arak (heavy water plant). The United States has accused Tehran of “across-the-board pursuit of weapons of mass destruction.” Iran denies that, but it agreed to inspections by the IAEA.

The UN Security Council has demanded that Iran suspend its enrichment activities while talks take place about its long-term plans.

Is Iran trying to build a nuclear weapon?

Iran says it is not. It says it is simply exercising its right under an international treaty on nuclear weapons known as the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. The NPT bans Iran from developing a nuclear bomb but does allow the country to develop civilian nuclear power. That includes developing nuclear fuel needed to power nuclear stations.

What does the IAEA say about Iran?

The IAEA has Iran’s fuel enrichment plant under its surveillance and says in its latest report in February 2009 that Iran is continuing to enrich uranium, though IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei says this is not at such a high rate as earlier.

The IAEA also says that, following a detailed examination, it had found that Iran has accumulated more low-enriched uranium than had been thought – more than 1000 kilograms. This is regarded as enough basic material from which to make a nuclear device. However the uranium would have to be enriched further and the IAEA is watching. It says it has found no evidence that Iran has diverted material for weapons purposes.

The IAEA also reports that Iran is not cooperating with its request for an answer to questions about possible studies on nuclear warheads carried out in the past.

---

Timeline of Nuclear Crisis since 2006

Jan 10, 2006: Iran removes UN seals at Natanz plant and resumes nuclear fuel research.

Feb 4, 2006: IAEA votes to report Iran to UN Security Council. Iran ends snap UN nuclear inspections the next day. Ten days later Iran restarts small-scale feeding of uranium gas into centrifuges at Natanz after a 2-1/2-year suspension.

Apr 28, 2006: IAEA report submitted to Security Council confirms Iran has disregarded UN demands to suspend enrichment.

Jul 31, 2006: Security Council demands Iran suspend its nuclear activities by Aug 31st. In a resolution, council makes legally binding demands on Iran and threatens sanctions.

Aug 26, 2006: Iran launches new phase in Arak heavy-water reactor project.

Aug 31, 2006: IAEA announces Iran has not met deadline to suspend its atomic fuel program and has resumed enriching small amounts of uranium.

Oct 6, 2006: Six world powers say they have agreed to discuss sanctions to punish Tehran for failing to halt uranium enrichment but are still open to negotiations.

Nov 14, 2006: A confidential IAEA report says that Iran is pushing ahead with uranium enrichment and still stonewalling agency investigations despite the risk of UN sanctions.

Dec 23, 2006: UN security council adopts sanctions against Iran, passed unanimously, which ban the supply of nuclear materials

Mar 24, 2007: UN security council widens sanctions against Iran, with new resolution.

Apr 9, 2007: Iran says it has “joined the nuclear club of nations and can produce nuclear fuel on an industrial scale.”

May 23, 2007: IAEA report says Iran is continuing to defy UN demands to stop enriching uranium.

Dec 3, 2007: National Intelligence Estimate suggests that Iran abandoned its nuclear weapons program in 2003

Jan 22, 2008: Permanent members of the UN Security Council and Germany agree new draft resolution of fresh sanctions against Iran

Mar 3, 2008: UN Security Council adopts a third round of sanctions against Iran

Sep 21, 2009: Iran reveals existence of a second uranium-enrichment facility at Qom

Nov 27, 2009: IAEA votes to censure Iran over its nuclear progam

---

Iran’s key nuclear sites

Qom – uranium enrichment plant
The facility is believed to be on a mountain on a former Iranian Revolutionary Guards missile site to the north-east of Qom on the Qom-Aliabad highway, Western diplomatic sources say. Construction on the secret facility started in earnest in mid-2006. It is believed that the plant is not yet operational. It is believed to have facility for 3,000 centrifuges for the enrichment of uranium. Iran wrote to the International Atomic Energy Agency saying it intended to build a plant to enrich uranium to 5% – not enough for a weapon. It told the IAEA it was already under construction but provided few details.

Bushehr – nuclear power station
Iran’s nuclear program began in 1974 with plans to build a nuclear power station at Bushehr with German assistance.
The project was abandoned because of the Islamic revolution five years later, but revived in the 1990s when Tehran signed an agreement with Russia to resume work at the site. Moscow delayed completion on the project while the UN Security Council debated and then passed resolutions aimed at stopping uranium enrichment in Iran.

In December 2007, Moscow started delivering the canisters of enriched uranium the plant needs. Earlier in the same month, a US intelligence report said Iran was not currently running a military nuclear program. There are two pressurised water reactors at the site.

Isfahan – uranium conversion plant

Iran is building a plant here to convert uranium ore into three forms:
• Hexafluoride gas – used in gas centrifuges
• Uranium oxide – used to fuel reactors, but not the type Iran is constructing
• Metal – often used in the core of nuclear bombs. The IAEA is concerned about the metal’s use, as Iran’s reactors do not require it as fuel.

Natanz – uranium enrichment plant

Iran resumed uranium enrichment work at Natanz in July 2004, after a halt during negotiations with leading European powers over its programme. It announced in September 2007 that it had installed 3,000 centrifuges, the machines that do the enrichment.

This is the facility at the heart of Iran’s dispute with the United Nations Security Council. The Council is concerned because the technology used for producing fuel for nuclear power can be used to enrich the uranium to a much higher level to produce a nuclear explosion.

Arak – heavy water plant

The existence of a heavy water facility near the town of Arak first emerged with the publication of satellite images by the US-based Institute for Science and International Security in December 2002. Heavy water is used to moderate the nuclear fission chain reaction either in a certain type of reactor – albeit not the type that Iran is currently building – or produce plutonium for use in a nuclear bomb.