Iran Proposes U.S. Assistance in Building Nuclear Power Plants

Iran has proposed that the United States assist in the construction of nuclear power plants in Iran. The intention behind this proposal is to alleviate U.S. concerns that Iran is secretly attempting to develop nuclear weapons. Hamid Reza Asefi, spokesperson for the Islamic Republic's Foreign Ministry, stated today that if the U.S. is genuinely worried about Iran's nuclear intentions, it could participate in the construction of Iran's nuclear power plants. Iran has denied accusations from the U.S. that it is using its nuclear energy program as a cover for a nuclear weapons program. Last week, the U.S. rejected Russia's invitation to collaborate on the construction of the Bushehr nuclear power plant, which has been under development for years. The U.S. State Department spokesperson said that no country should assist Iran with its nuclear plans unless Iran allows the United Nations' International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to inspect its nuclear facilities with short notice. In another development, the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson condemned a U.S. federal court ruling that found the Iranian regime liable for a truck bombing at a U.S. military base in Lebanon that resulted in the deaths of 241 U.S. Marines. The Iranian official accused the U.S. court of engaging in political activities instead of addressing legal matters. The U.S. judge ruled last Friday that Iran had provided substantial material and technical support to Hezbollah, which was identified as responsible for the bombing.