Is Iran Building a Nuclear Bomb? Nuclear Program Slammed by World Leaders
The United Nation’s International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has released a report today claiming that it has “credible” evidence that Iran is building a nuclear bomb.
The report has raised alarm in the global community about Iran’s nuclear ambitions and the proper approach to containing Iran's nuclear program.
The IAEA report suggests that Iran has made computer models of a nuclear warhead and also includes imagery of what is believed to be a container used for high explosives tests.
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The report said that the information compiled indicates, “Iran has carried out activities relevant to the development of a nuclear bomb.”
The report added, “The agency has serious concerns regarding possible military dimensions to Iran’s nuclear program.”
However, the IAEA report found no direct evidence that Iran has determined to build a bomb.
With increasing information pointing to Iran’s determination to create a nuclear arsenal, world leaders have come out to suggest that Iran’s path is dangerous and could cause immense uncertainty in the Middle East.
The French Foreign Ministry released a statement arguing that the report “reinforced France’s deep concerns with regards to Iran’s nuclear program.”
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement urging the global community to press for measures that would thwart Iran’s quest for nuclear weapons.
Germany’s foreign minister said that sanctions would become “inevitable” if Iran persisted and continued to ignore Western concerns.
The United Nations has already imposed four rounds of sanctions on Iran for its nuclear pursuits, but not all global powers are on board with applying heavier sanctions on the Middle Eastern country.
Russia responded to the report through Foreign Deputy Minister Gennady Gatilov who said that Russia could not accept “additional sanctions against Iran as an instrument of regime change in Tehran.”
Yesterday, China urged Iran to act with sincerity regarding its nuclear program but also maintained its push for a diplomatic solution that involves “dialogue and cooperation.”
Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak told “Israel Radio” that the small nuclear-armed country would not rule out carrying out preemptive strikes against its nuclear ambitious foe.
Barak said that his country would continue to recommend that no option be "off the table" in dealing with the Iranian nuclear issue – so long as crippling sanctions do not exist or “aren’t proven to be effective.”
Nevertheless, Barak expressed his doubt that crippling sanctions would be placed on Iran by the international community.
Iran has always maintained that its nuclear program is for energy purposes, and not to build a bomb.
Iranian President Mahomud Ahmadinejad argued that members of the international community have pointed fingers at Iran for acquiring nuclear capacities while they are “armed to the teeth.”
He said, “Know that this nation will not retreat an iota from its position.”
