The+nuclear+situation+in+Iran

Iran’s nuclear program began in 1957, when the United States pledged its aid to Iran in order to develop nuclear technology for civilian use in Iran. From 1957 onwards, Iran’s nuclear program steadily grew under the leadership of the Shah, in cooperation with various Western nations, including France, Germany and the United States. However, the Islamic revolution in 1979 caused the nuclear program in Iran to stop. 10 years later, the new government in Iran reinstated a nuclear program, this time coordinating with China and Russia. In 2002, the United States accused Iran of wanting to develop nuclear weapons – the same controversy that continues to be debated all across the globe till now. Iran’s nuclear program has definitely seen growth; Iran does not deny the fact that it can enrich Uranium, and has the capability to produce the uranium needed to make a nuclear bomb. However, it has always argued that its nuclear program is geared strictly towards civilian use. The United States and the United Nations have employed sanctions in order to pressure Iran into showing greater transparency; these methods have not worked thus far, and Iran’s nuclear program has shown steady progress. ([|Timeline of Iran's activities]) As of 2012, the situation is direr than ever. Israel’s government, in recent weeks, has threatened Iran with the possibility of “pre-emptive” strikes against Iran’s nuclear facilities and has asked for assistance from the United States.([|Israel, Iran strike]) Following a report from the International Atomic Energy Association (IAEA) that states that Iran had “significantly stepped up its enrichment program and that the agency continues to have "serious concerns" about potential military uses” ([|Iran 2012 timeline]), the United States and allies have championed numerous sanctions on Iran, including an oil embargo as well as an arms trade ban. However, again, Iran has not faltered in the face of these sanctions; rather, Iran continues to deny that it has programs for to develop nuclear weapons, and that all nuclear development in Iran is for civilian purposes. Iran has stated that if any country attacks Iran, Iran would respond in kind – Iran currently has 17 nuclear facilities all over Iran. However, there is no substantial evidence from either the IAEA, or the UN that proves that Iran has a nuclear weapons program. If Iran is able to obtain nuclear weaponry, all Sunni-majority Islamic nations through the Middle East would rush to obtain nuclear weaponry as well, in order to reduce the threat from the Shi’ite majority Islamic nation of Iran. ([|Dangers of Iran going nuclear]). As seen in North Korea, allowing hostile countries to obtain nuclear weaponry results in giving those countries the ability to flout international laws, and use their nuclear capabilities as a deterrent to any threat. If Iran does “go nuclear”, it would most likely adopt the North Korean strategy, and negotiate with the International community whilst building up it’s stockpile. As such, it is advised that the council decide on resolutions with care, as the smallest actions may have a large consequence. Currently, the United States and its allies conduct regular discussions with Iran – offering incentives as well as placing trade embargoes on Iran in attempts to halt Iran’s nuclear program; however, Tehran’s nuclear program has not stopped – it had been suspended quite a few times, but has always resumed. The IAEA has stated that the Iranian refused to allow certain nuclear inspectors to inspect some of their facilities, causing speculation that Iran is indeed weaponizing Uranium. ([|Iran Limits Access]) Israel has been preparing for a preemptive strike that aims to take out all unclear enrichment off the table. The IASEA has pushed Iran to offer more transparency; the demands have not been met. However, it should be noted that President Obama of the United States of America has stated there is a “Window of Opportunity” for the International Community to resolve Iran’s controversial nuclear issue through diplomatic means ([|Window of Opportunity]).
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