Iran's Pursuit of Nuclear Technology Continues to Be a Key Issue in Washington-Moscow Negotiations

Colin Powell, the U.S. Secretary of State, has once again expressed concern over Russia's nuclear cooperation with Iran. At a press conference in Washington, Powell stated that Iran's pursuit of nuclear technology is a recurring issue in discussions between Washington and Moscow. The U.S. Secretary of State raised the question of why a country like Iran, rich in oil and natural gas resources, is attempting to build a nuclear power plant. Last week, the U.S. State Department expressed concern about Iran's nuclear program, which could have military applications, stating that satellite images indicate Iran is trying to conceal its operations at the Bushehr nuclear power plant on the Persian Gulf coast. Hassan Rouhani, the head of the Supreme National Security Council of the Islamic Republic, has claimed that Iran seeks nuclear technology for peaceful purposes. However, Mr. Rouhani complained that while the U.S. criticizes Iran, it allows Israel to continue expanding its nuclear capabilities outside the framework of international agreements. Previously, the head of the Russian Atomic Energy Organization also supported Iran's claim that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.