IAEA's Request to the Islamic Republic - 2003-06-19

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), a UN-affiliated organization, has requested the Islamic Republic to allow for ongoing inspections and monitoring of Iran's nuclear facilities. This request comes after the United States accused the Tehran regime of secretly producing nuclear weapons. The IAEA issued a statement today during a meeting held at its headquarters in Vienna, Austria, asking the Iranian regime to provide full access at all times to dispel suspicions that the Iranian government is engaged in a covert nuclear program. The IAEA's statement was released one day after an expert report revealed that the Iranian regime had failed to disclose information regarding the importation, processing, and storage of nuclear materials and supplies, despite a commitment to do so. President Bush stated that the world will not tolerate a dangerous situation where Iran could acquire or produce nuclear weapons, and that nations must unite and be determined in supporting the idea that the Islamic Republic should not be allowed to obtain nuclear arms. Another issue causing friction between President Bush's administration and the Tehran regime is the recent protests by the Iranian people for greater freedom. These protests reflect the anger and dissatisfaction of the Iranian people towards President Mohammad Khatami and the clerics who were not elected by the people and have obstructed reforms in Iran. The Tehran regime has accused the U.S. of inciting the protests and interfering in Iran's internal affairs. Washington denies this, asserting that the anger of the Iranian people towards the regime is a spontaneous sentiment that does not require provocation. President Bush has made it clear that under any circumstances, the freedom-seeking people of Iran have his moral support.