Iran stopped nuclear weapons work in 2003

[Kizzume]

U.S. report: Iran stopped nuclear weapons work in 2003

www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/12/03/iran.nuclear/index.html

Iran halted work toward a nuclear weapon under international scrutiny in 2003 and is unlikely to be able to produce enough enriched uranium for a bomb until 2010 to 2015, a U.S. intelligence report says.

A declassified summary of the latest National Intelligence Estimate found with "high confidence" that the Islamic republic stopped an effort to develop nuclear weapons in the fall of 2003.

The estimate is less severe than a 2005 report that judged the Iranian leadership was "determined to develop nuclear weapons despite its international obligations and international pressure."

But the latest report says Iran -- which declared its ability to produced enriched uranium for a civilian energy program in 2006 -- could reverse that decision and eventually produce a nuclear weapon if it wanted to do so.

Enriched uranium at low concentrations can be used to fuel nuclear power plants, but much higher concentrations are needed to yield a nuclear explosion.

So, it's like I'VE SAID FROM THE BEGINNING. Iran has NOT done anything to show they're making weapons--it has all been paranoia and idiocy on behalf of our current administration, looking for a new way to start a war.

[redstaterebel]

"and is unlikely to be able to produce enough enriched uranium for a bomb until 2010 to 2015"


What if they do in 2010?

I don't think this is a major revelation - i think they are still producing uranium for that ultimate goal.

[Kizzume]

I think they're producing it for electricity like they've said over and over again. What kind of power/electricity methods should they go for in the desert if not nuclear? Wind?

[debateman]

Considering the vast deposits of oil in Iran, I'd start with that one...

[Kizzume]

That's not a very efficient or clean method, but I guess it works.

[debateman]

Actually, oil is more efficient than nuclear for Iran because they have so much of it. Obviously the development of nuclear power and the time/resources spent on that is detracting from their oil export productivity, but that's beside the point.

I don't trust the President of Iran. I trust him less than President Bush and that's saying a great deal. I just don't buy that the Iranians are giving up on becoming a nuclear (weapon) power.

[redstaterebel]

I'm afraid I agree Kizz - oil.

[jq]

debateman said:

Actually, oil is more efficient than nuclear for Iran because they have so much of it. Obviously the development of nuclear power and the time/resources spent on that is detracting from their oil export productivity, but that's beside the point.

I don't trust the President of Iran. I trust him less than President Bush and that's saying a great deal. I just don't buy that the Iranians are giving up on becoming a nuclear (weapon) power.

Agreed. Something is very fishy here.

In regards to the president, I feel it is important to remind everyone that that the president of Iran is actually more or less a figurehead, and that the true power rests in the Supreme Leader of Iran, who operates behind the scenes.

[redstaterebel]

I sure hope that this NIE is correct and that we have some time with Iran. My confidence level with US Intelligence is not very high though.

Regardless the current and next president need to keep the pressure on Iran - they cannot be allowed to make bomb.