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CPU > Publications > 2005-2006 > Iran: The Nuclear Question CPU PublicationsIran: The Nuclear Question
Released April 5, 2006 Recent History The most recent debate surrounding Iran and its nuclear aspirations began when its recently elected president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, announced in January, 2006 that his country would continue to pursue the development of peaceful nuclear technology.1 While Ahmadinejad insists that Iran’s nuclear research is only for energy production and not weapons, most Western countries have condemned the country’s decision, arguing that it is a breach of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), of which Iran is a signatory. While the NPT does not prohibit countries from pursuing peaceful nuclear technology, it does aim to cease the spread of nuclear weapons. The United States and many of its European allies argue that Iran’s research will indeed lead to the development of nuclear weapons, and that a nuclear Iran would pose a serious threat to international security and stability. They point out that many of the processes used to create nuclear energy are also used in the production of nuclear weapons.2 Ahmadinejad, however, argues that his country is pursuing peaceful nuclear energy for its citizens, which, he says, is Iran’s “absolute right.”3 Iran’s ambassador to Thailand claimed on October 5, 2005 that the production of nuclear energy “is not against international regulations.”4 Diplomatic solutions to this situation put forth by the international community thus far have failed. An alliance of the UK, France and Germany, calling itself the EU3, offered economic incentives to Iran in return for their cessation of nuclear research, though these discussions ultimately failed.5 Russia, one of Iran’s closer allies, offered to supply Iran with enriched uranium, which would provide Iran with nuclear energy while alleviating the concerns of the United States and others. As of March 2006, Russia’s offer has not been accepted, since Iran insists that it maintains the right to independently enrich uranium for peaceful purposes6 On February 4, 2006, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the United Nation’s nuclear watchdog group, reported Iran’s uranium-enrichment activities to the United Nation Security Council.7 On March 29, 2006, the Council issued a statement demanding that Iran halt its uranium enrichment program, and asked that the IAEA report back to the Council in 30 days on the status of Iran’s program8. While the prospect of economic sanctions have not been ruled out, both China and Russia oppose the idea and called for as mild a statement as possible9. US Reaction The United States refuses to engage in direct talks with Iran regarding its nuclear program, though it supports the talks of the EU3 and the intervention of the Security Council.10 The US has strongly condemned the statements of Ahmadinejad and has stated that a nuclear-armed Iran is a grave threat to the world11. The US recently agreed to hold limited talks with Iran regarding its role in Iraq, though the US has demanded that all discussion be confined to this topic alone, and that any dialogue over Iran’s nuclear program be excluded.12 Specifically, President Bush is concerned by Iran’s possible support of militants in Iraq, especially the potential transfer of bomb-making equipment to insurgents, who are responsible for much of the violence in Iraq today.13 Opinions within the United States differ on to the most effective way to resolve the nuclear situation. Currently, the US endorses the Security Council’s warning to Iran, which Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice called it “an important diplomatic step”14. If this initial warning fails, though, the US may support the use of economic sanctions,15. A smaller faction in the United States has called for targeted strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, though this has not gained much support16. Still others claim that a nuclear-armed Iran is not the worst-case scenario; rather that the West will have a different relationship with a different Iranian government in 10 years, and that such a government would no longer pose a threat with a nuclear weapon.17. Regional Implications On October 26, 2005, Ahmadinejad directed a number of hostile comments towards Israel, further alienating the West. He called for Israel to be “wiped off the map,”18 and has questioned or denied the existence of the Holocaust on numerous occasions19. Israel strongly maintains the stance that diplomatic talks must lead to Iran’s abandonment of its nuclear program. Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz asserts that his country “must have the capability to defend itself”20. The Future The international community is currently awaiting Iran’s response to the Security Council’s warning. The IAEA was tasked to report back to the Security Council in 30 days on the status of the country’s nuclear program. Iran responded to the UN’s warning by reaffirming its right to pursue nuclear energy, and again insisting that its nuclear program does not stray from international regulations21. Iran’s Foreign Minister, Manouchehr Mottaki, condemned the “unjustified propaganda” about his country’s nuclear program, but noted that his country is willing to continue talks with the IAEA22. The US and its allies hope that the actions of the Security Council will resolve this issue, though diplomatic efforts have yielded no changes to Iran’s position thus far. Neither side seems willing to compromise on its demands. The Columbia Political Union, is a non-partisan group organized for and by the students and faculty of Columbia University. We seek to enhance involvement in the political process, domestic and international, and draw every member of the campus community into an ongoing discussion of political ideas. We have brought activists, political dissidents, journalists, top-level advisors, and leaders from all levels of government, local to international, on campus. In addition to hosting speakers, expert panels, and student debates, the CPU publishes the Columbia Political Review, Issue Updates and voter education guides. The Columbia Political Union continues to be one of the main groups on campus, staying on the cutting edge of all sides of political discussion. This guide was written by CPU Deputy Publisher, Evan Daar. 1 Iran Announces Resumption of Nuclear Research. RIA Novosti 10 January 2006. |
