08/08/2002
EDITORIAL NUMBER=0-10055

IRAN'S NUCLEAR WEAPONS PROGRAM

Iran's effort to acquire to nuclear weapons poses a serious threat to peace and stability in the Middle East and elsewhere. Iran "is attempting to develop an indigenous capability to produce various types of weapons of mass destruction -- chemical, biological, and nuclear -- and their delivery systems." To acquire the technology and expertise to produce these weapons, Iran has turned to sources in Russia, China, and North Korea.

Last year, Iran, "sought nuclear-related equipment, material, and technical expertise from a variety of sources, especially in Russia." Iran has sought and received Russian assistance to build a one thousand-megawatt nuclear reactor in Bushehr [bush-eer]. Russian entities continue to interact with Iranian research centers on various nuclear fuel cycle activities which would be useful in supporting nuclear weapons-related research and development.

The U.S. is working with the Russian government to improve its enforcement of export controls, especially regarding Iran.

Iran already has chemical weapons and is working to develop more capabilities -- despite having signed the Chemical Weapons Convention. Iran is also believed to have biological weapons. Iran's efforts to acquire nuclear weapons are especially troubling in light of Iran's sponsorship of terrorist groups such as HAMAS, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Hizballah, and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine - General Command.

Iran is also seeking to acquire advanced conventional weapons that threaten U.S. forces and those of our friends and allies. The U.S. is working with Russia to persuade them to refrain from transferring these types of weapons to Iran.

Iran's nuclear weapons program was one of the issues raised by President George W. Bush in talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the recent summit in Moscow. "Our nations must spare no effort at preventing all forms of proliferation. And we discussed Iran in this context," said Mr. Bush. The U.S. and Russia, he said, will "work closely with each other on this very important issue."