Ernest Moniz: The U.S. has the capability to monitor Iran's nuclear program

The U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz stated on Monday, September 9, that the U.S. possesses extensive expertise that helps verify Iran's compliance with its commitments under the Vienna agreement. Speaking at the University of Colorado, Moniz emphasized that the core of the nuclear agreement between Iran and six world powers relies on the technical knowledge of the U.S. Department of Energy. He stated, "The volume and scope of our nuclear expertise is unparalleled and provides assurance in assessing the nuclear aspects of the Iran agreement." Iran and the six world powers, including the U.S., Russia, China, France, and Britain, along with Germany - members of the 1+5 group - reached an agreement on July 14 this year to reduce its nuclear activities in exchange for the lifting of international sanctions. This agreement is currently under review in the U.S. Congress, and members of the House of Representatives and Senate have until September 17 to vote either in favor or against it. Republicans have unanimously rejected the agreement, while 31 Democratic senators have stated they will support it. The U.S. President has threatened to veto the agreement if it is rejected in Congress. Barack Obama needs the support of 34 senators to maintain this veto. In another part of his speech, Moniz defended the agreement with Iran, stating that the U.S. has the necessary scientific tools to track Iran's deceit. He pointed out that the U.S. Department of Energy has developed computer simulations and laboratory technologies to ensure the U.S. nuclear arsenal without conducting test explosions, and these capabilities have aided in designing and monitoring the Iran agreement. According to the Associated Press, the Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration is responsible for ensuring the safety and security of the U.S. nuclear arsenal and also for strengthening nuclear non-proliferation. Moniz further stated, "Science supports everything the U.S. needs to counter nuclear weapon proliferation and nuclear terrorism." He referenced past successes where the U.S. helped Russia convert 500 tons of highly enriched uranium into fuel for U.S. reactors.