Questions Remain Regarding Iran's Nuclear Program - 2004-06-02

A new report from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) indicates that questions still remain regarding Iran's nuclear program, and it is unclear whether Iran is using this program to produce nuclear weapons. The confidential report, which has been made available to Western news organizations, reveals that Iran now admits to importing parts for advanced centrifuges that can be used for uranium enrichment applicable to nuclear weapons production. Previously, Iran had claimed that it manufactured the centrifuges itself. Mohamed ElBaradei, the head of the IAEA, stated on Tuesday that investigators have yet to find clear evidence indicating that Iran's nuclear program has military dimensions. However, Mr. ElBaradei added that it is still too early to determine whether Iran's nuclear program, as Tehran insists, is solely aimed at peaceful technological development or not. The IAEA chief expressed these views at a conference of parliamentary members of NATO in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. The United States has accused Iran of using its nuclear research as a cover for producing nuclear weapons and is pressuring the United Nations to impose sanctions on Iran for its actions regarding the violation of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.