Pentagon: Iran is Developing Technologies Applicable to Nuclear Weapons

The U.S. Department of Defense states that Iran continues to develop technologies that 'could be suitable for nuclear weapons' despite being involved in nuclear talks with six world powers. According to a non-classified assessment of Iran's military capabilities conducted by the Pentagon, the expansion and development of Iran's ballistic missiles is one of these technologies. The report emphasizes that Iran has 'fully' complied with its nuclear commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and has 'halted' the progress of its nuclear program, but 'it appears that the Islamic Republic's covert activities continue.' According to the U.S. Department of Defense, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has become a key tool of Iran's foreign policy, particularly in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Bahrain, and Yemen. The report also states that Iran's military doctrine is 'primarily defensive' and designed to protect the Islamic Republic 'from the consequences of Tehran's more aggressive policies such as covert activities and terrorism,' rather than as 'a means to display Iran's power.' The Pentagon assesses that the Syrian civil war and instability in Iraq have been 'tested but have not brought about a fundamental change in this situation.' On the same day, Josh Earnest, the White House spokesman, told reporters that although he had not yet seen the Defense Department report, the 'potential military dimensions' of Iran's nuclear program are 'something we have indicated we want to resolve in any agreement.' Mr. Earnest emphasized that even a successful nuclear negotiation with the Islamic Republic would not address all of the United States' concerns about Iran's actions. Iran and the U.S., along with Russia, China, Germany, France, and Britain, have set July 1 of this year as their deadline to reach an agreement to end more than a decade of discussions about the Islamic Republic's nuclear program. In another part of the U.S. Defense Department report, it is stated that Iran's military doctrine is based on 'preventing military attack, surviving initial aggression, and retaliating against the aggressor to compel them to a diplomatic solution instead of hostility.' The Pentagon cited the increased likelihood of receiving S-300 air defense systems from Russia as an example of this doctrine. Efforts to enhance capabilities in controlling the Strait of Hormuz and in a potential conflict are also mentioned as part of this doctrine. 'The quiet and increasing buildup of lethal weapons such as advanced naval mines, small but effective submarines, unmanned combat aircraft, coastal cruise missile platforms, warboats, and anti-ship missiles' are other aspects identified by the U.S. Department of Defense as part of Iran's military doctrine.